Abstract
The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) ranks as one of the preeminent model systems for studying synaptic development, function, and plasticity. This protocol describes the use of the two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) to examine potassium (K(+)) currents mediated by voltage-gated ion channels, and gives several genetic and pharmacological methods that are used to study the currents. Drosophila larval muscle fibers possess three major K(+) currents. One of these, a fast voltage-activating and inactivating I(A) current, is mediated by the Shaker channel. The Shaker channel is characterized by its sensitivity to the drug 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Two useful transgenic tools for altering membrane excitability have been developed by making specific modifications of the Shaker channel; their use is described here.
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