Method and apparatus for examining cells using the patch clamp method

摘要

The invention shows a method for patch-clamp experiments on cells or similar structures, where at least one cell is inserted into the lumen of a capillary and is positioned inside the capillary so, that a sufficiently tight seal with a resistance exceeding 1, preferably 10 GigaOhm develops between cell membrane and inner surface of the capillary. Along its length said capillary has at least at one position a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of said cell. Preferably the cell is inserted and positioned in the capillary by pressure, suction, sedimentation or centrifugation of a suspension or solution containing said cell. An apparatus for performing experiments using this method is described.