Voltage clamp, principles

The voltage-clamp technique was introduced by Cole in 1949. A general survey of the principle of operation and various shortcomings is presented by Moore and Cole (1963). A voltage-clamp circuit provides a means for holding constant the potential difference across the resting or active plasma membrane of a neuron (axon), within the limitations of practical electrodes. The discussion here is concerned primarily with the amplifier system being used. 

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