Current Source Density Estimation Using Microelectrode Array Data from the Hippocampal Slice Preparation

The potentials recordable from the hippocampal slice using a microelectrode array are described assuming a model of neural current sources. Inverse Fourier filter techniques to compute the current source density (CSD) are described taking into account the uncertainty in knowledge of the height of the current source above the recording plane. A lower bound on the minimum necessary sampling interval is calculated as 100 μm. Another calculation indicates it is unlikely that current sources are detectable if they are further than 250 μm from the recording array. Inverse filters with relatively short focal distances avoid unnecessary attenuation of signals from more distant sources.