Measuring secretion in chromaffin cells using electrophysiological and electrochemical methods

Our present understanding of exocytosis of catecholamines has benefited tremendously from the arrival of single-cell electrochemical methods (amperometry and voltammetry), electrophysiological techniques (whole-cell and patch capacitance) and from the combination of both techniques (patch amperometry). In this brief review, we will outline the strengths and limitations of amperometric and electrophysiological methods and highlight the major contribution obtained with the use of these techniques in chromaffin cells.