Preparations:

All experiments take place in in vitro preparations. We have implemented and use the following preparations:

• Brain slices, with direct visualization of cells using infrared differential interference contrast optics and fluorescent labeling.
• Acutely isolated neurons for studies of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors under voltage clamp.
• Primary culture of cochlear nucleus neurons to study ion channels and development.

In Vitro Physiological Analyses:

• Whole-cell tight seal current and voltage clamp.
• Dynamic Clamp
• Outside-out patches from physiologically and morphologically identified neurons with voltage clamp.
• Optical imaging of ion indicators (calcium, sodium) in neurons.
• Single-channel recordings from cell-attached patches.
• Intracellular recording with sharp electrodes.
• Field potential recording (current source-density analysis).
• Molecular analysis (single-cell RT-PCR) to correlate ion channel expression with channel currents at the single cell level.

In vivo Physiological Analysis:

• Auditory brainstem evoked response measures to evaluate hearing sensitivity in mice.

General Techniques:

• Molecular analysis (single-cell RT-PCR) to correlate ion channel expression with channel currents at the single cell level.
• Immunocytochemistry
• Western Blotting (sort of)