Bipolar Suction Electrode

1. Remove the Suction Electrode from the box. Note the glass capillary tubing at one end.
2. Carefully unscrew the nylon threaded tip through which the glass capillary tubing passes.
3. When the nylon threaded tip is free, remove the tip and the glass capillary tubing, leaving the silver wire in place.
4. Remove the small O-Ring and the nylon threaded tip from the end of the glass tubing.
5. Make a suitable capillary tube for the experiment, having an opening at the tip, and slide it into the nylon threaded tip. Next slide the small O-Ring over the tube.
6. Slide the tube over the silver wire and screw the nylon threaded tip into the plastic body of the suction electrode. It is not necessary to tighten the nylon tip excessively to make a watertight seal.

Proceed to General Instructions

1. Remove the Suction Electrode from the box. Note the glass capillary tubing at one end.
2. Carefully unscrew the nylon threaded tip through which the glass capillary tubing passes.
3. When the nylon threaded tip is free, remove the tip and the glass capillary tubing, leaving the silver wire in place.
4. Remove the small O-Ring and the nylon threaded tip from the end of the glass tubing. Replace the small O-Ring into the hole, and reinsert the nylon tip.
5. Place large O-Ring over end of suction electrode body.
6. Thread the 20uL pipette tip over O-Ring. Place the 1uL pipette over the larger pipette. This second pipette tip can be replaced during the course of the experiment if it becomes clogged, without removing the larger base pipette tip.

Proceed to General Instructions

1. Keep the silver wire as close to the end of the capillary tubing as possible for best recording and stimulation. If the tube is not the right length, loosen the nylon tip and adjust the tube accordingly.
2. Place the assembled suction electrode into the micromanipulator.
3. Attach a length of appropriate tubing to the side suction port for use to apply negative pressure.
4. Place the capillary glass tube or the pipettor tip opening into the electrolyte and draw up some of the electrolyte into the glass tubing.
5. Connect the appropriate signal, reference, and ground jacks to the amplifier inputs. The silver wire inside the suction electrode is connected to the central 2mm jack. The black reference wire is connected one of the 1.6mm jacks. The conductive outer shield (if present) or the bare ground wire is connected to the 1.6mm jack marked with a small “G”
6. Move the tube close to the tissue to be recorded or stimulated. Aspirate the tissue into or next to the electrode tip before recording or stimulating.

1. Rinse out the suction electrode with distilled water after each use.