Whole cell voltage clamp recordings from cultured neurons of the supraoptic area of neonatal rat hypothalamus

Abstract

Whole-cell voltage and current clamp recordings were made from cultured neurons from the hypothalamic supraoptic area of neonatal rats. These neurons fired spontaneous Na +-action potentials, appearing as mixed Na +/K +-currents in voltage clamp. Isolated Na +-currents (< 3nA) were rapidly activated and inactivated during positive potential pulses from -80 mV. Two voltage-activated Ba 2+-currents (< 1nA) were also recorded. These techniaues offer a promising new approach for studying the striking electrical behavior of cultured hypothalamic neurons.