Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Physiological Preparation of Hair Cells from the Sacculus of the American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Published on: March 17, 2017
Stretch-activated cation channel from larval bullfrog skin
Stanley D Hillyard1, Niels J Willumsen, Mario B Marrero
1School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89106-4124, USA. stanley.hillyard@unlv.edu
Researchers identified a stretch-activated cation channel in bullfrog skin. This channel, potentially a TRPC1 protein, is crucial for sensory functions across all anuran life stages.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Epithelial cells in larval bullfrog skin possess a cation channel.
- This channel is activated by mechanical stimulation, specifically suction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the biophysical properties of a stretch-activated cation channel in larval bullfrog skin.
- To investigate the molecular identity and developmental persistence of this channel.
Main Methods:
- Cell-attached patch-clamp recordings on isolated larval bullfrog skin epithelial cells.
- Current-voltage (I-V) plots to determine channel conductance and rectification.
- Western blot analysis using antibodies against mammalian TRPC (canonical transient receptor potential) channel proteins.
Main Results:
- Suction activated a cation channel with an initial current spike followed by a stable current.
- The channel exhibited linear or inward rectification with single channel conductances of 44-56 pS.
- Western blots detected TRPC1 and TRPC5 proteins in larval skin, and TRPC1, TRPC3/6/7 in metamorphosed skin.
Conclusions:
- The identified channel is a stretch-activated cation channel, likely involving TRP isoforms.
- This mechanosensitive channel is present throughout anuran development.
- TRP channels in anuran skin may play significant roles in sensory perception.
More Related Videos
08:54Monitoring Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing 8 Channel (LRRC8/VRAC) Activity Using Sensitized-Emission Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (SE-FRET)
Published on: August 9, 2024
10:19Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Published on: January 10, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potentials
Patch Clamp
In this method, a glass micropipette containing electrolyte solution is tightly sealed against a small portion of the cell membrane. As a result, a patch of the cell...