I have been trying to patch spinal dorsal horn neurons in acute spinal cord slices from adult rats. The major issue seems to be cell viability as the cells appear swollen like a balloon. I took care of osmolarity and pH; nevertheless no improvement in morphology of cells. I have tried almost all types of cutting buffers and recording buffers available in literature still did not get healthy cells to patch. I have been patching hippocampal slices also so I am wondering whether I should try to patch deep layer cells with blind method. Is there anybody who has done it or experienced that how healthy cells look like in spinal cord slices? I would like more things to discuss once I receive your suggestions.