Simultaneous measurement of Ca2+ transients and of membrane depolarizations in synaptosomes

Calcium and membrane potential sensitive dyes have been widely used to study the biochemical effects of the intracellular calcium concentration and of the membrane potential on diverse biochemical processes. However, due to the discontinuous measurement techniques applied, it was until now impossible to get an insight into the sequence and dynamics of the induced biological reactions. In order to study the relationship between the intracellular calcium concentration and the membrane potential, an apparatus was developed capable of measuring both biological processes simultaneously. Potassium chloride induced changes of the synaptosomal membrane potential and of the intracellular calcium concentration are presented.