The propagation of signals through the nervous system depends on rapid changes in electric potential across cell membranes. These changes are mediated by ion channelsmacromolecular 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.
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...