A computer system for real-time data acquisition and analysis of biopotentials and quantal content at the neuromuscular junction

✍ Scribed by Humphrey H. Liu; Yong I. Kim

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1983
• Weight: 864 KB
• Volume: 16
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0010-468X
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-468x(83)90078-8

✦ Synopsis

A computerized data acquisition system for on-line analysis of the parameters of neuromuscular transmission is de.;crihed. Both hardware usage and software methodologies are discusa, ed w~th regard to sampling in real-time and analyzing miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs), end-plate potentials (EPPs) and quantal content of the e'~oked transmitter release. Significant features of the program include: (I) automatic threshold determmatton for MEPP detection; (2) the use of a circular buffer to give pre-trigger information: (3) real-time noise spike rejection. (4) an automatic procedure for EPP failure detection; (5) rapid quantai content determinations by .~veral methods as well as complete MEPP and EPP waveform analysis. The system has proven both accurate and reliable duriag more than two years of use. Advantages of the system over conventional methods include: ( I ) increased accuracy and efficiency in data analysis: (2) immediate availability of results: (3) convenient data storage: (4) flexibility to meet char, gtng requirements.