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Biomedical subjects

Martin J Hug

Publications and source records attributed to Martin J Hug.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Microelectrodes and their use to assess ion channel function.

Impalement of living cells with microelectrodes (MEs) is a useful approach to measure a variety of biological parameters such as membrane potential (Vm), intracellular free ion concentrations and cell-to-cell communication. Despite such widespread applications, the number of trained researchers capable of using MEs is diminishing. In this article, we describe the fundamentals of the preparation and the proper use of MEs to study the physiology of transepithelial ion transport.

Animals↗

Transepithelial electrical measurements with the Ussing chamber.

The Ussing chamber technique is a simple, but powerful technique to investigate ion transport. Originally designed to study vectorial ion transport through the frog skin, it has revolutionized our knowledge about how eletrolytes permeate epithelia. Here we discuss the physiological principles that underlie the technique and protocols to investigate the role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in transepithelial ion transport.

Cell Membrane↗

Intestinal current measurements to diagnose cystic fibrosis.

Electrophysiological techniques are essential for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. In the past ten years intestinal current measurements has emerged as valuable tool for this purpose. This overview highlights the objectives, methodology and current protocols to diagnose cystic fibrosis by intestinal current measurement on rectal biopsies.

Chlorides↗

The patch-clamp and planar lipid bilayer techniques: powerful and versatile tools to investigate the CFTR Cl- channel.

Using the patch-clamp (PC) and planar lipid bilayer (PLB) techniques the molecular behaviour of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel can be visualised in real-time. The PC technique is a highly powerful and versatile method to investigate CFTR's mechanism of action, interaction with other proteins and physiological role. Using the PLB technique, the structure and function of CFTR can be investigated free from the influence of other proteins. Here we discuss how these techniques are employed to investigate the CFTR Cl- channel with special emphasis on its permeation, conduction and gating properties.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulato↗

CFTR and bicarbonate secretion by [correction of to] epithelial cells.

Defective HCO(3)(-) and fluid secretion are hallmarks of the pathophysiology of the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients. Recently, impaired HCO(3)(-) secretion has been shown in most tissues known to express the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). New results suggest that CFTR plays an important role in the transcellular secretion of HCO(3)(-).

Bicarbonates↗