Figure 2From: Monoallelic deletion of the microRNA biogenesis gene Dgcr8 produces deficits in the development of excitatory synaptic transmission in the prefrontal cortexAltered electrical properties, but normal spike firing capabilities of pyramidal neurons in Dgcr8+/- mice. (A) Magnified image (20×) of a neurobiotin-labeled L5 mPFC pyramidal neuron filled during whole-cell recording. (B,C) Representative current-clamp recordings from mPFC L5 pyramidal neurons from (B) WT and (C) Dgcr8+/- mice show stereotyped pyramidal neuron firing patterns in both genotypes in response to a series of hyperpolarizing (-200 to -25 pA) and depolarizing (+100 pA) current injections. (D) I-V relationships were assessed in voltage-clamp mode through a series of 5-mV steps and demonstrate increased input resistance (Rin) in Dgcr8+/- neurons. (E) Action potential firing responses in WT and Dgcr8+/- neurons evoked by +75, +125 and +175 pA current injections. (F) The plot of the steady-state firing frequency (ss-ff) as a function of current intensity shows no changes in the input-output response between genotypes (WT n = 17; Dgcr8+/- n = 11). (G) Plot of the interspike interval between spikes of a train of action potentials evoked by +200 pA current injection demonstrates no changes in firing capabilities (WT n = 17; Dgcr8+/- n = 11).Back to article page