A piezotranslator with variable movement pattern: experiences with the penetration of very small cells

Successful recording of intracellular potentials strongly depends on the quality of the impalement of the cells by microelectrodes. A substantial improvement of the penetration process could be obtained by using a piezotranslator which accurately controls the forward and backward movement of the electrode tip. The relevant movement amplitudes and velocities can be adjusted independently. The described piezotranslator was used in experiments with cultured cells of the glomerular mesangium of rat kidney, forming a flat monolayer 1-3 micrometers in height. Many successful impalements and long-term, stable recordings demonstrate the usefulness of the translator.