Whole-cell recordings of calcium and potassium currents in acutely isolated smooth muscle cells

AIM: To record calcium and potassium currents in acutely isolated smooth muscle cells of mesenteric arterial branches in rats. METHODS: Smooth muscle cells were freshly isolated by collagenase digest and mechanical trituration with polished pipettes. Patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode was employed to record calcium and potassium currents. RESULTS: The procedure dissociated smooth muscle cells without impairing the electrophysiological characteristics of the cells. The voltage-gated Ca2+ and potassium currents were successfully recorded using whole-cell patch clamp configuration. CONCLUSION: The method dissociates smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric arterial branches. Voltage-gated channel currents can be recorded in this preparation.