Spike-train acquisition, analysis and real-time experimental control using a graphical programming language (LabView ®)

A solution is described for the acquisition on a personal computer of standard pulses derived from neuronal discharge, measurement of neuronal discharge times, real-time control of stimulus delivery based on specified inter-pulse interval conditions in the neuronal spike train, and on-line display and analysis of the experimental data. The hardware consisted of an Apple Macintosh IIci computer and a plug-in card (National Instruments NB-MIO16) that supports A D , D A , digital I O and timer functions. The software was written in the object-oriented graphical programming language LabView ®. Essential elements of the source code of the LabView ® program are presented and explained. The use of the system is demonstrated in an experiment in which the reflex responses to muscle stretch are assessed for a single motor unit in the human masseter muscle.