The Interpretation of Current-Clamp Recordings in the Cell-Attached Patch-Clamp Configuration

In these experiments we have investigated the feasibility and accuracy of recording steady-state and dynamic changes in transmembrane potential noninvasively across an intact cell-attached patch using the current-clamp mode of a conventional patch-clamp amplifier. Using an equivalent circuit mimicki...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biophysical journal 2005-01, Vol.88 (1), p.739-750
Main Authors: Mason, M.J., Simpson, A.K., Mahaut-Smith, M.P., Robinson, H.P.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Adenosine Diphosphate - chemistry
Animals
Cell Line
Cell Line, Tumor
Cellular biology
Electrodes
Electrophysiology
Leukemia
Leukemia - metabolism
Male
Megakaryocytes - metabolism
Membrane Potentials
Membranes
Models, Theoretical
Patch-Clamp Techniques - methods
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Rodents
Sodium Chloride - pharmacology
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Summary:In these experiments we have investigated the feasibility and accuracy of recording steady-state and dynamic changes in transmembrane potential noninvasively across an intact cell-attached patch using the current-clamp mode of a conventional patch-clamp amplifier. Using an equivalent circuit mimicking simultaneous whole-cell voltage-clamp and cell-attached current-clamp recordings we have defined both mathematically and experimentally the relationship between the membrane patch resistance, the seal resistance, and the fraction of the whole-cell potential recorded across an intact membrane patch. This analysis revealed a steep increase in the accuracy of recording of steady-state membrane potential as the seal/membrane ratio increases from 0. The recording accuracy approaches 100% as the seal/membrane ratio approaches infinity. Membrane potential measurements across intact cell-attached patches in rat basophilic leukemia cells and rat megakaryocytes revealed a surprisingly high degree of accuracy and demonstrated the ability of this noninvasive technique to follow dynamic changes in potential in nonexcitable cells.
ISSN:0006-3495
1542-0086
DOI:10.1529/biophysj.104.049866