Adaptive voltage control ensures the precise half inactivation application of voltage-gated channels on automated patch clamp system

Voltage-gated sodium channels have been being studied extensively due to their potentials as targets for several indications such as pain, epilepsy, cardiac and muscle paralysis. Many of the compounds modulating these channels are state-dependent and preferentially bind to the inactivated state of the channel. The new QPatch II is equipped with the newly developed capability to run online adaptive protocols which makes it possible to measure a half-inactivation potential (V^½) in each individual cell and this value may subsequently be used in e.g. a preconditioning pulse in the following voltage protocols. Using this new adaptive protocol feature we determined IC₅₀ values for both the closed and the inactivated states for a set of standard compounds. Here we show that the use of individual V^½ reduces data variability compared to traditional standard methods.