What is the difference between patch-clamp and voltage clamp?

In the voltage-clamp configuration, a current is injected into the cell via a negative feedback loop to compensate changes in membrane potential. Recording this current allows conclusions about the membrane conductance. The patch-clamp technique allows the investigation of a small set or even single ion channels.

What is a single-unit recording neuroscience?

In neuroscience, single-unit recordings provide a method of measuring the electro-physiological responses of a single neuron using a microelectrode system. A microelectrode is inserted into the brain, where it can record the rate of change in voltage with respect to time.

What is single-unit electrophysiology?

Single-unit electrophysiological recording techniques provide a unique and powerful window through which to observe the functioning brain. Single-unit recording involves sampling the activity of single neurons, or small clusters of neurons, using an array of microelectrodes implanted in the brain.

What is a patch-clamp used for?

The patch clamp technique is a laboratory technique in electrophysiology used to study ionic currents in individual isolated living cells, tissue sections, or patches of cell membrane.

Is voltage clamp a type of patch-clamp?

It uses an electrode with a relatively large tip (> 1 micrometer) that has a smooth surface (rather than a sharp tip). This is a “patch-clamp electrode” (as distinct from a “sharp electrode” used to impale cells).

What is single unit recordings used for?

Single unit recording refers to the use of an electrode to record the electrophysiological activity (action potentials) from a single neuron. An electrode introduced into the brain of a living animal will detect electrical activity that is generated by the neurons adjacent to the electrode tip.

What is the difference between intracellular and extracellular recording?

Intracellular recordings can provide information on ionic reversal potentials, resting membrane potentials, single-channel conductance, second messenger roles in receptor function, and synaptic plasticity in neurons. However, unlike extracellular recordings, intracellular recordings are invasive to the neuron.

Is patch-clamp intracellular recording?

Conventional intracellular recording involves impaling a cell with a fine electrode; patch-clamp recording takes a different approach. A patch-clamp microelectrode is a micropipette with a relatively large tip diameter. This “whole-cell” mode allows very stable intracellular recording.