Whole-cell Patch Clamp
Whole-cell Patch Clamp - Related Videos
09:43
Patch Clamp Electrophysiology
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2023
Neuron cell membranes are populated with ion channels that control the movement of charge into and out of the cell, thereby regulating neuron firing. One extremely useful technique for investigating the biophysical properties of these channels is called patch clamp recording. In this method, neuroscientists place a polished glass micropipette against a cell and apply suction to form a high resistance seal. This process isolates a small “patch” of membrane that contains one or more ion channels.
13:07
One-channel Cell-attached Patch-clamp Recording
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Cited by 17 •
2014
Described here is a procedure for obtaining long stretches of current recording from one ion channel with the cell-attached patch-clamp technique. This method allows for observing, in real time, the pattern of open-close channel conformations that underlie the biological signal. These data inform about channel properties in undisturbed biological membranes.
10:36
Culturing and Electrophysiology of Cells on NRCC Patch-clamp Chips
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Cited by 6 •
2012
We show how planar patch-clamp chips fabricated at the National Research Council of Canada are sterilized, primed, loaded with medium, plated with cells, and used for electrophysiological recordings.
11:52
Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings of Isolated Primary Epithelial Cells from the Epididymis
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Cited by 1 •
2017
We present a protocol that combines cell isolation and whole-cell patch-clamp recording to measure the electrical properties of the primary dissociated epithelial cells from the rat cauda epididymides. This protocol allows for investigation of the functional properties of primary epididymal epithelial cells to further elucidate the physiological role of the epididymis.
07:38
Patch Clamp Recordings from Embryonic Zebrafish Mauthner Cells
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Cited by 12 •
2013
We have developed an intact brain-spinal cord preparation to record and monitor electrical activity via patch clamp recording from the Mauthner neurons and other reticulospinal cells in zebrafish embryos. Thus, we are able to record excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents, voltage-gated channel activity and action potentials from key neurons in a developing embryo.
FAQs
The high-resistance seal isolates the glass micropipette from the surrounding membrane environment, helping the electrode detect membrane electrical activity more effectively. This seal provides the foundation for subsequent access to the cell interior and for controlling or recording electrical signals. Its quality therefore directly supports measurements of ionic currents, membrane potentials, and cellular excitability.
Gentle suction ruptures the small region of membrane beneath the attached pipette. This creates electrical access between the electrode solution and the cell interior without removing the cell from the recording configuration. Once access is established, researchers can examine membrane behavior across the entire cell rather than only detecting signals at the pipette contact site.
Voltage-clamp recordings hold the membrane at a controlled voltage so researchers can examine ionic currents associated with membrane mechanisms. Current-clamp recordings instead monitor changes in membrane voltage while current conditions are applied or observed, revealing electrical behaviors such as action potentials. Using these modes connects ion-channel activity with the excitability of the cell.
A recording begins when a glass micropipette forms a high-resistance seal with the cell membrane. The investigator then applies gentle suction to rupture the membrane beneath the pipette, allowing the electrode solution to access the cell interior. After this transition, the setup can be operated in voltage-clamp or current-clamp mode to collect electrical measurements.
The technique can reveal ionic currents, membrane-potential changes, action potentials, and electrical events associated with synaptic transmission. These measurements help relate membrane behavior to broader cellular function. Depending on the recording mode and biological question, results can emphasize ion-channel activity, changes in excitability, or how a cell responds during communication with other cells.
Whole-cell patch clamp supports research in neuroscience, muscle physiology, sensory systems, and pharmacology. In these areas, investigators can examine how ion channels and synaptic transmission contribute to cellular responses, including excitability and action potentials. Its value comes from linking measurable electrical behavior at the membrane to the functional role of an individual cell.