Whole cell recording and conductance measurements in cat visual cortex in-vivo

Long and stable recordings of post-synaptic, action and membrane potentials from visual cortical neurons in-vivo, are possible with the patch-clamp technique. These are comparable to the whole-cell configuration, but with an incomplete seal. EPSPs and IPSPs of normal time course and up to several mV can be recorded. DC potentials ranged from - 30 to - 60 mV and input resistances from 50 to 150 M omega. Injected currents have the same effect as if applied intracellularly. Membrane conductance after electrical stimulation of the lateral geniculate nucleus is increased during the first 20 ms, but decreases from 60 to about 130 ms, during return of the membrane potential to its resting level. The recording method is compared to other intracellular recording techniques in-vivo and in-vitro.