A simple technique for on-line measurement of contractions of single smooth muscle fibers under current or voltage clamp.
This paper describes a simple technique for routine on-line measurement of length and unloaded, isotonic contractions of single smooth muscle fibers during electrophysiological experiments. The fiber is held by the recording electrode itself, stretched straight in a fast-flowing stream of solution. The video image of the fiber is measured on-line by a simple computer program. Unlike other optical methods of tracking fiber length, the technique does not require a rigid one-dimensional contraction of the fiber. The technique is reliable and easy to use, and readily compatible with current clamp, voltage clamp, and rapid reversible application of neurotransmitters and drugs.
Brezina
V
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Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029.
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001048:Aplysia / Q000502:physiology*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D012984:Software