Patch-Clamp Methods and Protocols

Book excerpt: Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols surveys the typical patch clamp applications and advises scientists on identifying problems and selecting the best technique in each instance. The experiments described require a basic level of electrophysiological training and aid the researcher in pursuing new areas of electrophysiology and using the patch clamp technique effectively. Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols is divided into three sections that cover the major areas of patch clamp application: Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biophysics. The first section provides examples and step by step instructions on how to use whole-cell and single-channel patch clamp methods for testing drugs in industrial settings. The second section provides a wide selection of patch clamp applications in physiological studies. The last part focuses on the biophysical applications of the patch clamp method using single channel recordings or statistical analysis of whole-cell currents in order to obtain parameters that describe ion channel properties or transmitter release. Individual techniques are explored within the area that they are applied most often. Researchers will find Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols to be an invaluable aid in the design and execution of a wide variety of patch clamp experiments, both on their own and in conjunction with other state-of-the-art methodologies.