An inexpensive microcomputer system for analysis of single channel currents.

A description is given of a system for rapidly measuring the durations of open times and closed times of single channel currents obtained by patch clamp techniques. The apparatus required, a BBC microcomputer and a Unilab interface, is inexpensive and easy to use. An outline of the software is given and measurements of the accuracy of timings presented. Examples of analyses of single channel currents obtained from spinal neurones in cultures are also presented.