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[Methods of measuring the transmembrane electrical potential in cells].
Ukrainskii Biokhimicheskii Zhurnal (1978)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study evaluates methods for measuring cell membrane electrical potential, focusing on fluorescent probes. Cell heterogeneity in potential may cause measurement discrepancies.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Electrophysiology
- Biophysical Techniques
- Membrane Biology
Context:
- Accurate measurement of transmembrane electrical potentials (TMP) is crucial for understanding cell function, particularly in small cells like lymphocytes.
- Existing methods, including intracellular microelectrodes and ion-sensitive probes, have limitations in quantitative TMP estimation.
- Fluorescent probes offer potential for detailed TMP analysis, including distinct membrane potentials and cell-to-cell variations.
Purpose:
- To assess the suitability of intracellular microelectrodes, penetrating ions, and potential-sensitive fluorescent probes for quantitative TMP estimation in small cells.
- To detail specific fluorescent probe methodologies for measuring TMP components on plasma and mitochondrial membranes.
- To investigate the recording of individual cell differences in TMP values.
Summary:
- The study reviews methods for quantifying transmembrane electrical potentials (TMP) in small cells, primarily lymphocytes.
- Fluorescent probe techniques are detailed for measuring TMP on plasma and mitochondrial membranes and for assessing cellular heterogeneity.
- Potential sources of error in TMP measurements, such as cell depolarization, are discussed.
Impact:
- Highlights the utility and specific applications of fluorescent probes in cellular electrophysiology.
- Identifies cell heterogeneity as a key factor influencing TMP measurement accuracy and reproducibility.
- Provides insights into potential errors and divergences in TMP mean values obtained through different measurement techniques.