Lance

Do you know one part of the brain that is involved in learning a new skill that involves movement coordination, such as riding a bicycle? That’s where I come from, the Cerebellum!

So what do I do? I’m a Purkinje cell, a GABAergic neuron that inhibits the activity of the deep cerebellar nuclei. All of us Purkinje cells connect to the deep cerebellar nuclei, which is the only output of all motor coordination in the cerebellar cortex. We are involved in refining your movements by inhibiting the deep cerebellar nuclei and by stopping the inhibition at precise moments. Isn’t that cool?

As a GABAergic neuron, I am very active even if my presynaptic inputs are disconnected. Look below at some sample signals recorded from me using the high-density MEAs of MaxWell Biosystems!

This is how active I am for 3 seconds.
(Purkinje Cell activity in an acute cerebellar slice)

I am also one of the largest neurons in the brain. I have the best looking dendritic arbor, so many scientists take a picture of me and my pals. With MaxOne, you can also capture an electrical image of me!

Spatial distribution of a Purkinje cells extracellular action potential

Do you want to know more? Stay tuned for the next chapters of my story.