Introduction

Patch Clamp is an electrophysiological technique for studying ion-channels activities in cell membranes.Patch-clamp relies on a very high resistance seal between a micropipette and a membrane; the seal is usually attained by a gentle suction. There are four most common configurations of patch clamping i.e. On-cell patch, Inside-out patch, Outside-out patch, and Whole-cell. Patch-clamp method is commonly used to measure the ionic current flowing across the membrane (by clamping its voltage). Whereas, the voltage across the membrane is measured by controlling the current. Action potentials can be measured in this mode.

 

Benefit
The Nobel Prize winning technique of Patch Clamping  is introduced in Pakistan for the first time at  PCMD, University of Karachi and this workshop is going to provide an excellent opportunity to the scientists from all over Pakistan to get on hand experience for this cutting edge technique.  This technique is used by all giant drug companies such as Pfizer and Glaxo Smith and Kline.
After learning this technique scientist around Pakistan will be capable of  presenting their chemicals and compounds  for  FDA approval.
What is needed at this point in time is to convert basic research into translational research so as  to bring our discoveries from the bench top.