A simple method of fast extracellular solution exchange for the study of whole-cell or single channel currents using patch-clamp technique.

A new concentration-jump technique was devised for the rapid application of drugs to single, isolated cells attached to the base of the experimental chamber while recording from them with patch-clamp technique. Cells were placed in a micro-drop (less than 0.1 microliter) in a small inner bath which was separated from an outer bath by a ring of "Sylgard" polymer. Stable whole-cell recordings were made in the micro-drop and rapid solution exchange took place when a much larger volume of test solution from the outer bath was flooded over the Sylgard ring and mixed with the micro-drop. Complete equilibration occurred within less than 10 ms.