A low-cost perfusion heating system for slice electrophysiology

Temperature-critical applications, such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, require constant perfusion at a fixed temperature. However, maintaining perfusate at a specific temperature throughout various applications requires heaters or coolers with integrated feedback systems, which has historically increased complexity and cost. This makes such systems prohibitively expensive in research environments with lower funding rates, particularly in developing countries. We developed a custom temperature control system that relies on off-the-shelf components and few custom parts, which can be easily produced with common tools. Our system can be built for less than $30 and maintains a set perfusate temperature within 0.4 degrees C while introducing negligible electrical interference. Using this system, we demonstrate that Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons exhibit increased membrane resistance, longer membrane time constants, lower firing rates, and increased rheobase current at room temperature compared to physiological temperature.