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Electrophysiological
studies involve patch-clamp recordings in cortical neurons, transfected
cell lines, and tissue slices. We employ dominant negative constructs
for ion channels thought to be important in cell death processes. In addition,
neurons are also being transfected with RNAi probes for the selective
elimination of signal transduction pathway components. The laboratory
currently operates three complete patch-clamp rigs and one slice rig, all equipped with
fluorescent microscopes for identification of transfected cells. One rig
is also equipped with a light source and optical fiber for hydrolysis
of "caged" compounds. We use pCLAMP-based software for data
analysis and acquisition. The software is also useful for driving a fast
stepper motor used to produce rapid solution changes in the cell or patch
being recorded. |
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