A simple method of fast extracellular solution exchange for the study of whole-cell or single channel currents using patch-clamp technique.
A new concentration-jump technique was devised for the rapid application of drugs to single, isolated cells attached to the base of the experimental chamber while recording from them with patch-clamp technique. Cells were placed in a micro-drop (less than 0.1 microliter) in a small inner bath which was separated from an outer bath by a ring of "Sylgard" polymer. Stable whole-cell recordings were made in the micro-drop and rapid solution exchange took place when a much larger volume of test solution from the outer bath was flooded over the Sylgard ring and mixed with the micro-drop. Complete equilibration occurred within less than 10 ms.
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004566:Electrodes; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D012996:Solutions
D007473:Ion Channels; D012996:Solutions; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D011188:Potassium