Protocol for pressure-clamped patch-clamp recording at the node of Ranvier of rat myelinated nerves

摘要

The patch-clamp recording technique is indispensable for studying ion channel functions of cells but is challenging to apply to the node of Ranvier, a key site where action potentials are conducted along myelinated nerves. We have developed a pressure-clamped patch-clamp recording method applying to the node of Ranvier of rat myelinated nerves. The step-by-step protocol described here allows researchers to apply this approach to study mechanisms underlying saltatory conduction and information processing in myelinated nerves of mammals.