Spike Train Analysis

NeuroProof’s data analysis is based on the spike train analysis. With the microelectrode array (MEA)-neurochips, extracellular action potentials of neuronal networks are recorded as spike trains. NeuroProof performs an accurate spike train separation, enabling the recording of individual neurons.

The complex influence of pharmaceutical compounds causes specific changes in the spike train activity patterns of neurons and in connectivity between neurons in complex networks. An in-depth analysis of these fingerprints requires a comprehensive characterization of these changes by high descriptive spike train parameters. Over many years of experience, NeuroProof has gained knowledge how to construct such valuable spike train parameters.

These spike train parameters are categorized into four groups:

• general activity parameters (e.g. spike rate, burst rate)
• burst structure parameters (e.g. burst duration, burst area)
• oscillation or regularity of burst occurrence
• synchronicity/connectivity parameters

This enables us to indicate activity patterns, which are correlated with the beneficial effects of different drug classes.

It is possible to assess effects such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and other neurobiological phenomena.