Multichannel Systems HiClamp Manual - Manual (Page 28)

HiClamp Manual
22
5.3 Test Model Cell
5.3.1 Testing the Amplifier with the Test Model Cell
Before you start to do real experiments with oocytes, we recommend to get familiar with the
HiClamp using the Test Model Cell (TMC). The TMC mimics the electrical (passive) properties
of a real oocyte impaled with microelectrodes (electrode resistance ~450 kOhm, membrane
resistance 100 kOhm, membrane capacitance ~ 200 nF)). Before you start, you have to connect
the TMC to the two electrode wire inputs (small connectors) and to the inputs where you would
connect the oocyte basket (larger connectors). The red plugs have to be connected on the left
side, respectively. When you now start the HiClamp and the HiClamp software, the amplifier
window opens in the basic mode in which you can test the electrode impedance by clicking
on the "R_Test" button.
Resistance values similar as shown above should be displayed with your TMC connected.
If you know activate the "Debug Mode" via the "Options" menu, the display changes
and you have access to all amplifier parameters. When you activate "Voltage Clamp"
the TMC will be clamped to 0 mV with a holding current of about 0 μA.