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Patch Clamp Electrophysiology

Overview

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. Using an electrode within the micropipette, researchers can “clamp” or control the electrical properties of the membrane, which is important for analysis of channel activity. The electrode also allows for changes in the voltage across the membrane, or the flow of ions through the membrane, to be recorded.

This video begins with an overview of the principles behind patch clamp electrophysiology, an introduction to the necessary equipment, and descriptions of the various patch configurations, including whole cell, cell-attached, perforated, inside-out, and outside-out patches. Next, the key steps of a typical whole-cell patch clamp experiment are outlined, in which a current-voltage (IV) curve is generated. Finally, applications of patch clamp recording are provided to demonstrate how the biophysical properties of ion channels, cell excitability, and neuroactive compounds are evaluated in neurophysiology labs today.

Procedure

Patch clamp recording is an extremely useful technique for investigating the biophysical properties of the ion channels that control neuronal activation.

The procedure involves pressing a glass micropipette against a cell in order to isolate a small “patch” of membrane that contains one or more ion channels.

The experimental setup further allows scientists to “clamp” the electrical environment of the patched area by precisely controlling the voltage across the cell mem

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Tags
Patch Clamp ElectrophysiologyBiophysical PropertiesIon ChannelsGlass MicropipetteMembrane PatchVoltage ControlElectrical EnvironmentIon FlowPatch Clamp TechniqueExperiment StepsApplicationsMembrane PotentialIon MovementElectrical CurrentsPatch Clamp Rig

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0:00

Overview

1:04

Principles Behind Patch Clamping

3:20

Patch Clamp Configurations

4:43

Preparing Micropipettes and Forming a Seal

6:05

Whole-cell Patch Clamp Procedure

7:15

Applications

9:11

Summary

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