NPI SEC-05LX, Operating Instructions Manual

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Current Clamp Input
The current clamp input (CURRENT STIMULUS BNC connector) is connected in the VCcCC
mode in a way that fast current stimuli can be applied to the electrode.
The condition for such
recordings is a ratio of >1:1000 between current pulse duration and VCcCC time constant.
Slow (long-lasting) current signals or DC (such as the HOLDING current) will be removed by the
action of the VCcCC system. In the fast VC mode, the current clamp input is disconnected
automatically. In this way, using the VCcCC mode, fast current stimuli can be used, e.g. to monitor
conductance changes.
Literature
1. Peters, F., D. Czesnik, A. Gennerich & D. Schild, (2000) Low frequency voltage clamp:
recording of voltage transients at constant average command voltage, J. Neurosci. Meth. Vol.
99, 129-135.
2. Sutor , B., S. Greiner-Fischer, B. Schlosser (2000) Pharmacologically isolated NMDA-EPSPs
recorded at resting membrane potential of rodent neocortical neurons, Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.,
Vol. 26, Part 1, p 352.
3. Sutor, B., Grimm, C., & Polder, H. R. (2003). Voltage-clamp-controlled current-clamp
recordings from neurons: an electrophysiological technique enabling the detection of fast
potential changes at preset holding potentials.
Pflugers Arch. 446 , 133-141.