L5 - Patch / Voltage Clamp

Whole-cell recording

Allows researchers to measure the entire cell’s voltage/current; also useful for injecting cells with dyes for imaging

Inside-out recording

Allows researchers to study the influence of intracellular molecules on channel function

Outside-out recording

Allows researchers to study how ion channel activity is influenced by neurotransmitters; a patch-clamp technique used to study how ion channels on the outside surface of the cell membrane behave

Voltage clamp amplifier

Compares membrane potential to the command potential

Command potential

Term used to describe a desired holding membrane potential for a voltage clamp

Ionic current

Flow of charged ions

Capacitative current

A physical current caused by cations accumulating and represented as a movement of ions across the membrane surface

TTX

Eliminates sodium currents/channels; puffer fish or fugu toxin

TAE

Eliminates potasium currents/channels

Choline

A nutrient that helps your brain send signals, build its structure, and develop properly