A software algorithm for analysis of paired-pulse response change across vigilance states

The authors present a software algorithm which is designed to record and quantify paired pulse responses obtained from the dentate gyrus on stimulation of the perforant path of the rat hippocampus, across four vigilance states. It is shown that this algorithm allows for rapid, accurate and efficient, collection and analysis of paired-pulse EEFP (evoked extracellular field potential) waveforms recorded from the granule cell layer of the rat dentate gyrus. Its menu-driven options provide a user-friendly environment for operation. It enables the scientist to obtain valuable electrophysiological data easily and to process it rapidly. A data-selection feature enables the user to select which records he wishes to examine and have statistically processed, while graphical output allows visual identification of changes in cellular and synaptic efficacy. The quantification of the paired pulse waveforms allows changes in cellular response dependent on vigilance state to be examined