Abstract
We describe the application of 'perforated patch recording' using the pore-forming antibiotic nystatin, to monitor the electrical activity and underlying ionic currents of rat and human pancreatic islet B cells. We demonstrate that glucose-induced electrical activity is seen even in single B cells during current-clamp recordings lasting hours 'L-type' Ca2+-channel currents can also be monitored over this period of time. This technique may prove useful in examining hormone and neurotransmitter modulation of electrical activity in B cells, while minimizing the effects of cytoplasmic 'wash-out'.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
-
3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester / pharmacology
-
Action Potentials / drug effects
-
Animals
-
Azides / pharmacology
-
Calcium Channels / physiology*
-
Diazoxide / pharmacology
-
Electric Conductivity
-
Glucose / pharmacology
-
Humans
-
Islets of Langerhans / drug effects
-
Islets of Langerhans / physiology*
-
Membrane Potentials
-
Nifedipine / pharmacology
-
Rats
-
Sodium Azide
-
Tolbutamide / pharmacology
Substances
-
Azides
-
Calcium Channels
-
3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester
-
Sodium Azide
-
Tolbutamide
-
Nifedipine
-
Glucose
-
Diazoxide