Whole-cell and single-channel alpha(1) beta(1) gamma(2S) GABA(A) receptor currents elicited by a ''multipuffer'' drug application device

Pharmacological characterization of ion channels and receptors in cultured neurons or transfected cell lines requires microapplication of multiple drug solutions during electrophysiological recording. An ideal device could apply a large number of solutions to a limited area with rapid arrival and removal of drug solutions. We describe a novel ''multipuffer'' rapid application device, based on a modified T-tube with a nozzle made from a glass micropipette tip. Drug solutions are drawn via suction from open reservoirs mounted above the recording chamber through the device into a waste trap. Closure of a solenoid valve between the device and the waste trap causes flow of drug solution though the T-tube nozzle. Any number of drug solutions can be applied with rapid onset (50-100 ms) after a brief fixed delay (100-200 ms). Recombinant alpha(1) beta(1) gamma(2s) GABA(A) receptors (GABARs) transfected into L929 fibroblasts were recorded using whole-cell and single-channel configurations. Application of GABA resulted in chloride currents with an EC(50) of 12.2 mu M and a Hill slope of 1.27. suggesting more than one binding site for GABA. GABAR currents were enhanced by diazepam and pentobarbital and inhibited by bicuculline and picrotoxin. Single-channel recordings revealed a main conductance state of 26-28 pS. This device is particularly suitable for rapid, spatially controlled drug applications onto neurons or other cells recorded in the whole-cell configuration, but is also appropriate for isolated single-channel or multichannel membrane patch recordings.