New microelectrode techniques for intracellular work in small cells

Newly developed techniques are described for making both single and dual channel ultrafine electrodes, and for advancing these electrodes into small cells. Together with our previously described methods of electrode beveling, all of these techniques are found to be highly successful in rod outer segments of the toad retina, which average only about 6.0 μm in diameter. Hence the new techniques of making and advancing electrodes solve the main problems that have limited intracellular work in small cells. These techniques should also increase the efficiency of intracellular work in cells of all sizes. They thus offer promising possibilities for greatly expanding the preparations and problems that may be studied in neurophysiology.