High density single-unit human cortical recordings using the Neuropixels probe

Abstract

SummaryA fundamental unit of neural computation is the action potential. While significant advances have been made in the ability to sample action potentials of large numbers of individual neurons in animal models, translation of these methodologies to humans has been lacking due to clinical time constraints, electrical noise in the operating room, and reliability of the methodology. Here we present a reliable method for intraoperative recording of dozens of neurons in humans using the Neuropixels probe, yielding up to ∼100 simultaneously-recorded single-units (n=596 across 11 recordings in 8 participants). Most single-units were active within 1 minute of reaching target depth, compatible with clinical time constraints. Cell pairs active close in time were spatially closer in most recordings, demonstrating the power to resolve complex cortical dynamics. Altogether, this approach provides access to population single-unit activity across the depth of human neocortex at scales previously only accessible in animal models.HighlightsSingle units in 8 patients, yielding 596 putative single units across 11 recordingsThe majority of putative neurons fire at least 1 spike within one minute after reaching target depthPutative neurons take longer to fire at least one spike in anesthetized compared to awake participantsCell-pairs that fire action potentials close in time are spatially closer together than those fire further apart in time