Abstract
Objective
Microneurography is the only method for recording from single neurons in intact human nerves. It is challenging - requiring technical expertise, investment in specialised equipment and has sparse data yields.
Methods
We assessed whether ultrasound guidance in combination with an ‘open access’ amplifier and data capture system (Open-Ephys) would simplify and expand the scope of microneurographic recordings in humans.
Results
In 32 healthy consenting volunteers, ultrasound-guidance improved success rates for obtaining cutaneous C-fibres and reduced “Skin to Nerve” times from 28.5 minutes to 4.5 minutes for recordings of the peroneal nerve (P<0.0001).We illustrate the potential utility of ultrasound-guided microneurography for difficult to access nerves with phrenic nerve recording during a Valsalva manoeuvre. We show that Open Ephys is a viable alternative to commercially available recording systems and offers advantages in terms of cost and software customisability.
Conclusions
Ultrasound guidance for microneurography with Open Ephys facilitates cutaneous C nociceptor recordings and allows recordings to be made from nerves previously considered inaccessible.
Significance
We anticipate that the adoption of these techniques will improve microneurography experimental efficiency, adds an important visual learning aid and increases the generalisability of the approach.
Microneurography is the only method for recording from single neurons in intact human nerves. It is challenging - requiring technical expertise, investment in specialised equipment and has sparse data yields.
Methods
We assessed whether ultrasound guidance in combination with an ‘open access’ amplifier and data capture system (Open-Ephys) would simplify and expand the scope of microneurographic recordings in humans.
Results
In 32 healthy consenting volunteers, ultrasound-guidance improved success rates for obtaining cutaneous C-fibres and reduced “Skin to Nerve” times from 28.5 minutes to 4.5 minutes for recordings of the peroneal nerve (P<0.0001).We illustrate the potential utility of ultrasound-guided microneurography for difficult to access nerves with phrenic nerve recording during a Valsalva manoeuvre. We show that Open Ephys is a viable alternative to commercially available recording systems and offers advantages in terms of cost and software customisability.
Conclusions
Ultrasound guidance for microneurography with Open Ephys facilitates cutaneous C nociceptor recordings and allows recordings to be made from nerves previously considered inaccessible.
Significance
We anticipate that the adoption of these techniques will improve microneurography experimental efficiency, adds an important visual learning aid and increases the generalisability of the approach.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2475-2481 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Clinical Neurophysiology |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 11 |
Early online date | 29 Jul 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2018 |
Research Groups and Themes
- CRICBristol
- Anaesthesia Pain and Critical Care
Keywords
- Microneurography
- Pain
- C-fibre
- Nociceptor
- Open-source
- Ultrasound
Fingerprint
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Clinical Research and Imaging Centre (CRICBristol)
Thai, J. (Manager), Bucciarelli-Ducci, C. (Other) & Gilchrist, I. (Other)
Bristol Medical School (THS)Facility/equipment: Facility
Profiles
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Dr Jim Dunham
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience - Clinical Research Fellow
- Bristol Neuroscience
Person: Academic , Member