System for simultaneous classical and optical electrophysiology of biological cells

The research equipment allows simultaneous classical and optical electrophysiology measurements and includes four subsystems. (i) The subsystem for classical electrophysiology (with the patch clamp method) allows quantitative measurements of changes in transmembrane voltage and ionic currents across the membrane and includes two amplifiers for simultaneous measurements with two micropipettes. (ii) The subsystem for optical electrophysiology with an epifluorescence microscope and a fast camera allows the study of rapid changes in transmembrane voltage (e.g. action potentials in excitable cells). (iii) The subsystem for perfusion allows selected pharmacological agents to be added to the sample in a controlled and dynamic manner. (iv) The subsystem for temperature control allows the measurements to be carried out in a controlled temperature environment.

Responsible for equipment: PhD Lea Rems
The equipment is located in the Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Fac. of El. Eng., Univ. of Ljubljana. Contact lab head prof. Tadej Kotnik. It is available to external RO upon request.