A simple intrapipette salt bridge.
A simple method is described for achieving a salt bridge within a patch pipette. The tip of the pipette is filled with a Cl(-)-free solution that bathes the membrane patch. Above this is a Cl(-)-containing solution that surrounds the recording Ag/AgCl wire electrode. Addition of 0.07% (w/v) agarose to the solution in the tip prevents bulk mixing of the 2 phases within the pipette. This configuration makes it possible to remove Cl- from the membrane surface but maintain it at the electrode surface. The presence of the Cl(-)-free phase in the bottom of the patch pipette does not reduce the electrical stability of the recording electrode.
Kleene
S J
SJ
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521.
D000818:Animals; D002712:Chlorides / Q000737:chemistry*; D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology; D004566:Electrodes; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D011894:Rana pipiens; D012685:Sepharose; D012834:Silver; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D012996:Solutions
D002712:Chlorides; D012996:Solutions; D012834:Silver; D012685:Sepharose