Available online
Description
TV5, Neurochemistry is the fourth of a block of 5 programmes outlining techniques used in the Brain and Behavioural Sciences. It deals with chemical techniques for analysing brain activity. From th...e outset, a distinction is drawn between techniques performed in vivo, that is on living creatures and those performed in vitro, that is on isolated tissue fragments. Specifically, the following techniques are discussed: In vivo - Autoradiographic localisation within the brain of injected radiotracer materials (2-deoxyglucose). In vitro - Preparation and purification of synaptosoines; use of synaptosomes to study the events of synaptic transmission (namely transmitter release and binding). Use of cell cultures to carry out various procedures including the identification of neuronal types by looking for specific cell surface markers. The synaptosome sequences were recorded in one of the laboratories of the Brain Research Group at the Open University.
TV5, Neurochemistry is the fourth of a block of 5 programmes outlining techniques used in the Brain and Behavioural Sciences. It deals with chemical techniques for analysing brain activity. From th...e outset, a distinction is drawn between techniques performed in vivo, that is on living creatures and those performed in vitro, that is on isolated tissue fragments. Specifically, the following techniques are discussed: In vivo - Autoradiographic localisation within the brain of injected radiotracer materials (2-deoxyglucose). In vitro - Preparation and purification of synaptosoines; use of synaptosomes to study the events of synaptic transmission (namely transmitter release and binding). Use of cell cultures to carry out various procedures including the identification of neuronal types by looking for specific cell surface markers. The synaptosome sequences were recorded in one of the laboratories of the Brain Research Group at the Open University.
| Module code and title: | SD286, "Biology, brain and behaviour" |
|---|---|
| Item code: | SD286; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 02-05-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:28 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jack Koumi |
| Contributors: | Geoff Einon; Sean Murphy |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Autoradiography; Neurochemistry; Synaptosomes |
| Footage description: | Extracts from earlier programmes show 1) a human subject with a recording electrode attached to the scalp and 2) a recording electrode being inserted into the giant axon of the squid. Commentary by Geoff Einon explains that these are examples of in vivo and in vitro experiments respectively. As an example of a neurochemical in vivo technique, Geoff Einon describes an experiment in which the amount of radioactive 2 deoxyglucose taken up by brain neurones is measured in order to identify specific areas in the brain which respond to visual stimuli. A model of a human brain helps to illustrate some of his points. An animated film is also used to explain the principles behind the experiment. Geoff Einon, with a model and micrographs of neurones, describes the system by which neurones transmit messages to other neurones across synapses using chemical transmitters. An animated diagram is also shown. Geoff Einon introduces an experiment in which brain synapses are isolated so that in vitro experiments can be conducted on them. Sean Murphy describes a technique for isolating brain synaptosomes by centrifugation. Film shots of animal brain tissue being sheared and centrifugated to isolate the synaptosomes. Sean Murphy goes on to describe an experiment which shows that chemical substances are released at the synapse. Shots of the experiment and of an animation as he talks. Another experiment is conducted to show that the chemicals released at the synapse are in fact neurotransmitters. Animations, micrographs and laboratory shots are all used. Commentary by Sean Murphy. Sean Murphy goes on to explain how radioactive trace materials used in the above experiment are measured. Shots of samples being measured in a scintillation counter. An experiment which allows a more direct look at features of synaptic transmission is shown. Commentary by Sean Murphy. The experiment involves tagging alpha bungarotoxin, a transmitter substance, with a fluorescent marker which can then be detected by looking at the post synaptic receptors under a microscope. Geoff Einon explains that it is possible to do in vitro experiments on intact cells under certain conditions. Shots of cell cultures. He goes on to list some of the work which can be done with cell cultures. Geoff Einon summarises the programme. |
| Master spool number: | HOU3590 |
| Production number: | FOUS180F |
| Videofinder number: | 2077 |
| Available to public: | no |
