Electrophysiology
- Laboratory technicians:
Electrophysiological approaches provide sensitive, real-time readouts of neural and sensory system function across multiple levels of biological organization. Techniques such as auditory brainstem response (ABR), electroretinography (ERG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG) enable quantitative assessment of signal transmission, circuit integrity, cortical network activity, and neuromuscular output, allowing early detection of functional impairment that may precede structural changes. These methods are particularly suited for longitudinal studies, enabling tracking of disease progression, pharmacotoxicity, and therapeutic response. When integrated with complementary imaging and molecular analyses, electrophysiology provides a critical functional layer for translational preclinical research in neurological, sensory, and systemic disease models.
Comprehensive Hearing Phenotyping Pipeline
Standard services Auditory Function Assessment (ABR)
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) provides quantitative assessment of hearing thresholds and integrity of the auditory pathway from the auditory nerve to brainstem centers. Frequency- and intensity-resolved stimulation enables detection of hearing loss, neural conduction deficits, and central auditory dysfunction. The method is suitable for standardized phenotyping as well as longitudinal studies of disease progression and therapeutic response in models of hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Standard services Retinal Function Assessment (ERG)
Electroretinography (ERG) enables functional evaluation of retinal circuitry by measuring light-evoked responses of photoreceptors and downstream neuronal populations. Standardized protocols allow assessment of rod- and cone-mediated vision under scotopic and photopic conditions. ERG provides a sensitive readout of retinal dysfunction and is particularly valuable for correlating structural findings with functional outcomes in longitudinal and intervention studies.
Standard services Cortical Network Activity (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) enables high temporal resolution monitoring of cortical network activity in vivo. The method provides functional biomarkers of neuronal synchronization, excitability, and network dynamics, supporting studies of epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, sleep regulation, and neurodegeneration. EEG is particularly suited for longitudinal monitoring and evaluation of pharmacological or genetic interventions affecting central nervous system function.
Standard services Ultrasonic vocalization (USV)
Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) analysis provides a non-invasive functional readout of social communication, emotional state, and neurodevelopment. Quantitative analysis of vocal patterns complements electrophysiological measurements and supports characterization of behavioral phenotypes in genetic and pharmacological models, particularly in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric research.
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Project Specific Assays Neuromuscular Function and Junction Integrity
Electromyography (EMG) combined with controlled muscle stimulation enables functional assessment of neuromuscular transmission and motor unit integrity. These approaches provide quantitative readouts of muscle activation, nerve conduction, and neuromuscular junction performance, allowing detection of subtle defects not evident at the structural level. These workflows are particularly relevant for models of neuromuscular disorders, motor neuron diseases, and peripheral neuropathies, and can be integrated with CNS electrophysiology and behavioral analyses to support mechanistic and translational studies.
Project Specific Assays Seizure Susceptibility and Network Excitability Models
Electrophysiological and pharmacological paradigms can be used to assess seizure susceptibility and neuronal network excitability in vivo. Combined EEG monitoring enables precise characterization of seizure onset, propagation, and resolution, providing quantitative biomarkers of network dysfunction. These models are highly relevant for studies of epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and CNS toxicity, as well as for evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting neuronal excitability.
Project Specific Assays Targeted CNS Delivery and Intervention
The Unit supports precise intracerebral and intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery of compounds, cells, or genetic material using advanced stereotaxic systems. Both acute injections and long-term administration via implanted cannulae or osmotic pumps are available, enabling controlled delivery over extended time periods. These approaches provide a critical experimental interface for functional studies, allowing direct manipulation of specific brain regions or cerebrospinal compartments and subsequent evaluation using electrophysiological, behavioral, and multimodal phenotyping readouts.
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Technology platform
Electrophysiology unit was upgraded with the support from OP RDE project CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_046/0015861 CCP Infrastructure Upgrade II in the years 2020 – 2022 and currently it is being upgraded from the OP JAC project CZ.02.01.01/00/23_015/0008189 Upgrade of the large research infrastructure CCP III.
