[Short circuit current technology and its application in the study of traditional Chinese medicine]

Short circuit current (I(sc)) technique has been applied in the studies of transepithelial ion transport in various epithelia. Recently it has also been used in the modernization researches on traditional Chinese medicines. This review gives an overview of the basic principle of the I(sc) technique, the targets of measurement, ion transport, ion channel, the general ways of I(sc) research design, the application of I(sc) technology in the researches on traditional Chinese medicines.