Electrophysiology includes various experimental techniques for the investigation of membrane ion channels and transporters and the study of the electrical signals associated with them.
The course aims to introduce the most important electrophysiological techniques, namely the patch-clamp technique, in various configurations, and the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique (TECV) applied to Xenopus oocytes. The course will examine the related theoretical aspects and will present the functional and structural features of the main families of ionic channels and electrogenic transporters localized on both plasma and intracellular membranes.
Attendance and active participation in the proposed educational activities (lectures and laboratory activities) and individual study will enable the student to:
- to know the theoretical and experimental aspects of the heterologous expression of ion channels and transporters in Xenopus oocytes and of the relative technique of the double microelectrode voltage-clamp (TECV);
- to know the theoretical and experimental aspects of the patch-clamp technique.
Lectures and laboratory activities
Elements of electrophysiology: fundamental constants, resistance and membrane capacity. Ions in aqueous solution: the Nernst equation. Ion channels and transporters. The membrane potential: hyperpolarization and depolarization. What is the voltage-clamp. The theory of the patch-clamp technique. Main families of ion channels and transporters. Laboratory activities: the TECV and the patch-clamp technique.
- Kandell et al. Principal of Neural Science, 5/ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
- Hille B (2001) Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes, Third Edition. Oxford University Press
Ricevimento: Wednesday 11-12 am (recommended by appointment)
ARMANDO CARPANETO (President)
GIORGIO BAVESTRELLO
