Ion Channels

The propagation of signals through the nervous system depends on rapid changes in electric potential across cell membranes. These changes are mediated by ion channels--macromolecular pores that facilitate the passage of specific ions (e.g. K+ or Na+) through cell membranes in response to various signals. Defects in ion channels can lead to diseases such as epilepsy. <p/>This laboratory manual provides state-of-the-art techniques for investigating ion channel properties and activity particularly in the nervous system. Contributors present electrophysiological methods to examine single-channel activity in cultured cells to study synaptic plasticity and circuit dynamics in brain slice preparations and to perform whole-cell recordings in awake--and even freely moving--animals. The use of optogenetic tools to study synapses or small networks in organotypic slice cultures is also covered. Many of the experimental setups described can be adapted for other ion channels cell types or systems. <p/>The manual includes background on the structure function and regulation of different voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. Therefore it is a useful resource for all cell biologists and neuroscientists seeking to further understand the complex roles of ion channels in normal physiology and disease.