At Neuroservices-Alliance, we specialize in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) recordings, providing pharmaceutical and biotech companies with critical insights into synaptic activity at a cellular level. This article showcases our mEPSC recording capabilities, using proprietary data from our Cell Electrophysiology Lab in San Diego, and explains how this service can accelerate CNS drug discovery.
We perform mEPSC recordings on:
iPSC-derived neurons
E18 Rat Cortical Neurons
Miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) recordings can be performed on neurons stained with NeuO, allowing researchers to assess synaptic activity and neuronal function. The fluorescent labeling helps identify the neurons of interest, facilitating precise electrophysiological measurements in live or fixed tissues.
mEPSCs are small, spontaneous synaptic events that occur when a single vesicle of neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic terminal. They offer essential information about postsynaptic responses without the influence of presynaptic action potentials. Moreover, mEPSC recordings are crucial for studying synaptic function and plasticity. They provide insights into:
This electrophysiological trace below illustrates the modulation of mEPSCs by applying two pharmacological agents: CX614, an AMPA receptor-positive allosteric modulator, and NBQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist.
Recordings performed at Neuroservices-Alliance’s cell electrophysiology lab in San Diego, USA
Before CX614 application: In the baseline recording, we observe regular mEPSCs. This baseline is critical for comparing how the synaptic activity changes with drug administration.
CX614 application: When CX614 is applied, there is a significant increase in both the frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs. This result demonstrates CX614’s ability to enhance synaptic transmission by modulating AMPA receptors, a common target in CNS drug discovery.
NBQX application: The addition of NBQX completely blocks AMPA receptor activity, which effectively stops all synaptic currents. This clear contrast highlights NBQX’s inhibitory effect and shows how we assess both enhancement and inhibition of synaptic transmission in our studies.
Our data offers a powerful readout of synaptic modulation, essential for evaluating CNS-targeting drug candidates.
At Neuroservices-Alliance, we’ve performed numerous mEPSC studies that help clients understand the synaptic effects of their drug candidates. By working with us, you gain access to:
Whether you’re testing a compound’s influence on synaptic transmission, exploring neurodevelopmental processes, or investigating disease models, mEPSC recordings offer a powerful approach to gaining critical insights into cellular-level activity.
Neuroservices-Alliance is more than just a CNS-focused CRO – we are your trusted partner in advancing drug discovery programs. When you choose Neuroservices-Alliance, you can expect:
With our proven expertise in mEPSC recordings, Neuroservices-Alliance can help your company explore the synaptic effects of therapeutic candidates with unmatched precision. Reach out to us today to discover how our services can accelerate your CNS drug discovery efforts.