When the ostrich-algorithm fails: Blanking method affects spike train statistics

1.Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal tissue face particular challenges when attempted during electrical stimulation, both in vivo and in vitro. Electrical stimulation may produce undesired electronic artifacts and thus render the recorded signal only partially useful. A commonly used remedy for these artifacts is to temporarily ground the input during the stimulation pulses. In the following study, we quantify the effects of this method on the spike train count, which is called \"blanking\". Starting a from theoretical standpoint, we deduce a loss of countable action potentials, depending on: width of the blanking window, Frequency of stimulation and neuronal activity. Calculations are corroborated by actual high SNR single cell recordings. We have to state, for therapeutically relevant frequencies of 130 Hz and realistic blanking windows of 2 ms, up to 27% of actual existing spikes are lost. We strongly advice careful and controlled use of blanking circuits when spike rate quantification is attempted.