In this volume of Methods in Pharmacology we have brought together experts in the field of ion channels to provide the reader with an in-depth view of current biochemical and electrophysiological methods. The focus is on cation-selective ion channels (voltage controlled Of ligand controlled) that are of special pharmacological interest. The con tents are divided into three sections that exemplify {I) molecular and biochemical characterization of ion channels, (II) functional analysis of ion channels (after recon stitution or expression, or in cells), and (III) specific methods and tools. The...