Multiclamp amplifier and Digidata analog to digital converter, with required software,

Project Title : Purchase of a Multiclamp amplifier and Digidata analog to digital converter, with required software, from Molecular Devices to record and analyze electrical signals from single neurons for neuroscience research. The system is manufactured by Molecular Devices. Project Description: This electrical equipment is required for patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments that provide the basis for experiments to investigate synaptic contacts and electrical activity in single neurons in the auditory system of mice, which have similar auditory circuitry to humans. The system allows measurement of the minute electrical signals in single live neurons, and thus allows investigation of the function of these neurons in the brain. Project Background: The Section on Neuronal Circuitry in the NIDCD seeks to understand neurons that originate in the brainstem, but project to the cochlea, and modulate auditory perception. The neurons are implicated in protection from noise trauma, detection of sounds in noise (hearing speech in a noisy room), as well as altered functions in pathological auditory conditions such as in tinnitus or hyperacusis. The research involves studying the electrical activity of single neurons in the brain and cochlea, as well as the interaction of these neurons with other neurons. This requires microscopes and electrical equipment to visualize the neurons for experiments, as well as the electrical equipment that is specialized for recording the minute electrical signals that occur in single neurons. This amplifier, digidata, and software comprise the equipment used for these electrical measurements for ongoing projects within the lab, and therefore must integrate with existing equipment. We currently have two identical systems, and accessories must be interchangeable between the systems. Therefore, we require Molecular Devices amplifiers / digidata and associated software, specifically the Multiclamp 700B amplifier, Digidata 1550B1, and pClamp 11 software that is being requested. Requirements: (See Attached) System is required to be fully interchangeable with three existing systems that all utilize a multiclamp 700B system, digidata 1550, and pClamp 11 software