Whole-cell recordings of calcium and potassium currents in acutely isolated smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Aim: To record calcium and potassium currents in acutely isolated smooth muscle cells of mesenteric arterial branches in rats. Methods: Smooth m uscle cells were freshly isolated by collagenase digest and mechanical trituration with polished pipettes. Patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode was employed to record calcium and potassium currents. Results: The procedure dissociated smooth muscle ce lls without impairing the electrophysiological characteristics of the cells. The voltage-gated Ca2+ and potassium currents were successfully recorded using whole-cell patch clamp configuration. Conclusion: The method diss ociates smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric arterial branches. Voltage-gated channel currents can be recorded in this preparation. © 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.