Automated Patch Clamp with Current Clamp: Action Potential Recordings from Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Automated planar patch clamp devices, with their higher throughput and high data information content, are finding their place in the market for making high quality electrophysiological measurements.Ease of use and higher data throughput make these devices ideal tools for ion channel screening and safety testing. The ability to record from stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in both voltage and current clamp modes on an automated patch clamp platform is an important advancement in ion channel screening and safety testing. Using a planar patch clamp workstation, currents mediated by K+, Na+ and Ca2+ channels could be recorded from stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in the voltage clamp mode. In the current clamp mode, action potentials could be recorded for the first time on a planar patch clamp device. The built-in temperature control allowed for pharmacology on action potentials (see figure) both at room temperature and 35°.The use of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in safety testing is becoming increasingly important. The ability to test compounds on ion channels in both voltage and current clamp modes, as well as at different temperatures, may be crucial for future safety testing.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide