title: Fluorescent voltage-sensitive dyes: applications for neurophysiology.
abstract: Voltage-sensitive dyes are a means to optically monitor changes in membrane potential. Their application in research has grown steadily over the last two decades as better dyes have been developed. The techniques presently in use are providing unique information about biologic systems from bacteria to the functional organization of primate occipital cortex. This review provides a history of the dyes, the data supporting their voltage sensitivity, and the techniques required for their use. The limitations in using and interpreting the voltage-sensitive dyes, as well as their diverse applications in all areas of research, especially neurophysiology, are comprehensively presented.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000266:history; D006801:Humans; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009482:Neurophysiology / Q000379:methods*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes