Cited by 18,436Ion channel regulation and functionNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchIon Transport and Channel Regulation

Improved patch-clamp techniques for high-resolution current recording from cells and cell-free membrane patches

Hamill, O. P., Marty, A., Neher, E., Sakmann, B., Sigworth, F. J.·1981·Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology

Abstract

1. The extracellular patch clamp method, which first allowed the detection of single channel currents in biological membranes, has been further refined to enable higher current resolution, direct membrane patch potential control, and physical isolation of membrane patches. 2. A description of a convenient method for the fabrication of patch recording pipettes is given together with procedures followed to achieve giga-seals i.e. pipette-membrane seals with resistances of 10(9) - 10(11) omega. 3. The basic patch clamp recording circuit, and designs for improved frequency response are described along with the present limitations in recording the currents from single channels. 4. Procedures for preparation and recording from three representative cell types are given. Some properties of single acetylcholine-activated channels in muscle membrane are described to illustrate the improved current and time resolution achieved with giga-seals. 5. A description is given of the various ways that patches of membrane can be physically isolated from cells. This isolation enables the recording of single channel currents with well-defined solutions on both sides of the membrane. Two types of isolated cell-free patch configurations can be formed: an inside-out patch with its cytoplasmic membrane face exposed to the bath solution, and an outside-out patch with its extracellular membrane face exposed to the bath solution. 6. The application of the method for the recording of ionic currents and internal dialysis of small cells is considered. Single channel resolution can be achieved when recording from whole cells, if the cell diameter is small (less than 20 micrometer). 7. The wide range of cell types amenable to giga-seal formation is discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1007/bf00656997

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  • Resolving channel gating is best accomplished by patch clamp techniques because these techniques can determine specific kinetic parameters of ion channels such as channel selectivity, conductance, and activation kinetics.

    “Resolving channel gating is best accomplished by patch clamp techniques because these techniques can successfully determine specific kinetic parameters of ion channels such as channel selectivity, channel conductance, and activation kinetics (21).”

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Authors
Hamill, O. P., Marty, A., Neher, E., Sakmann, B., & Sigworth, F. J.
Affiliations
Max Planck Society (DE)
Venue
Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology
Published
1981-08
Volume
391
Issue
2
Pages
85-100
ISSN
  • 0031-6768 (ISSN-L)
  • 1432-2013
OpenAlex
W2009667219
Cited by
18,436
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 62 · 2025: 85 · 2024: 111 · 2023: 110 · 2022: 147 · 2021: 139 · 2020: 114 · 2019: 134 · 2018: 180 · 2017: 173 · 2016: 166 · 2015: 224 · 2014: 229 · 2013: 277 · 2012: 285
FWCI
55.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology (publishedVersion)
  • MPG.PuRe (Max Planck Society) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion channel regulation and function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion Transport and Channel Regulation
Keywords
patch clamp, single-channel recording, inside-out patch, membrane potential control, skeletal muscle membrane, ionic currents, current resolution, frequency response

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