Small-volume and rapid extracellular solution exchange around Xenopus oocytes during voltage-clamp recordings.
A novel method for micro extracellular perfusion of Xenopus oocytes has been designed in order to minimise the amount of test solution required for drug applications during two-microelectrode voltage-clamp experiments. Voltage-clamp experiments on oocytes are performed in a glass-covered microbath without continuous perfusion. The microelectrodes access the oocytes via two small openings in the glass cover. Test solutions are applied to a funnel at the chamber inflow and the chamber volume is subsequently exchanged by operating a suction pump connected to the chamber outflow. Only 50 microl of drug- or neurotransmitter-containing solution is required for bath application. In addition, the new "funnel application technique" enables quick and timed applications of drugs or neurotransmitters to Xenopus oocytes within 200-400 ms.
Hering
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Institut für Biochemische Pharmakologie, Peter Mayr Strasse 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001464:Barium / Q000378:metabolism; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D005110:Extracellular Space; D008839:Microelectrodes; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000494:pharmacology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D010477:Perfusion; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012996:Solutions; D014982:Xenopus laevis
D015220:Calcium Channels; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012996:Solutions; D001464:Barium; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D000109:Acetylcholine