Author/Editor		Rituper, Boštjan; Guček, Alenka; Jorgačevski, Jernej; Flašker, Ajda; Kreft, Marko; Zorec, Robert
Title		High-resolution membrane capacitance measurements for the study of exocytosis and endocytosis
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 8, št. 6
Publication year		2013
Volume		str. 1169-1183
ISSN		1754-2189 - Nature protocols
Language		eng
Abstract		In order to understand exocytosis and endocytosis, it is necessary to study these processes directly. An elegant way to do this is by measuring plasma membrane capacitance (Cm), a parameter proportional to cell surface area, the fluctuations of which are due to fusion and fission of secretory and other vesicles. Here we describe protocols that enable high-resolution Cm measurements in macroscopic and microscopic modes. Macroscopic mode, performed in whole-cell configuration, is used for measuring bulk Cm changes in the entire membrane area, and it enables the introduction of exocytosis stimulators or inhibitors into the cytosol through the patch pipette. Microscopic mode, performed in cell-attached configuration, enables measurements of Cm with attofarad resolution and allows characterization of fusion pore properties. Although we usually apply these protocols to primary pituitary cells and astrocytes, they can be adapted and used for other cell types. After initial hardware setup and culture preparation, several Cm measurements can be performed daily.
Keywords		exocytosis endocytosis membrane capacitance eksocitoza endocitoza kapacitivnost membrane