Inside Out Patch Clamping?

Question

I have all the data I need, all I need to know is, how to calculate using the nernst equation which for cell membranes is

E=58log(Outside/inside) what I want to know is for inside out patch clamping is the bath solution outside or inside? thanks

Answer 1

It's a little arbitrary since reversing the Nernst equation gives the negative voltage, you just have to keep track of you signs.

I would suggest you use the bath concentration as inside and the patch electrode as outside since it would help interpret results if voltage-gated channels are present.  If the bath solution is not low sodium / high potassium like the cell interior, it does not matter as much.

Again, watch your signs.