ELC-03XS User Manual
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version 2.2
page 32
8.4. Intracellular
Recording
Intracellular recordings can be performed in the whole-cell patch configuration and with sharp
microelectrodes.
Note
: VC mode does not function properly with sharp microelectrodes, i.e. electrodes with
more than 10 M
resistance.
Current Clamp Recording
The ELC-03XS can be used like a standard bridge amplifier.
Set the MODE OF OPERATION switch to CC and the BRIDGE MODE switch to the
upper position. The BRIDGE MODE LED lights up.
Compensate the electrode artifact using the BRIDGE BALANCE potentiometer.
After impaling the cell readjust the bridge.
If needed set an appropriate holding current using the HOLDING CURRENT
potentiometer and the HOLDING CURRENT polarity switch.
Apply stimuli to the cell using the STIMULUS INPUT 1 nA/V BNC connector.
Voltage Clamp Recording
The ELC-03XS can also be used like a whole-cell patch-clamp amplifier.
Approach the cell in VC mode and apply square voltage pulses to the electrode.
Contact the cell, set a holding potential using the HOLDING POTENTIAL potentiometer
and establish the whole-cell patch clamp configuration.
Set the amplifier to BR mode and adjust the BRIDGE. Only if the BRIDGE is adjusted
correctly the SERIES RESISTANCE COMPENSATION works with the correct value.
Switch to VC mode.
If necessary, adjust the shape of the voltage signal using the CAPACITY
COMPENSATION (VC) potentiometer (#
22
and #
27
, Figure 1) and compensate for the
SERIES RESISTANCE.
Apply stimuli to the cell using the COMMAND INPUT :10 mV BNC connector.
Note
: CAPACITY COMPENSATION works only for the electrode capacity, not for the
capacity of the cell membrane. Therefore, capacitive transients are always present when
square shaped pulses are applied in VC mode.
