Hydra is the most primitive metazoan possessing a nervous system. This multicellular animal has been a favorite model for developmental studies, yet electrophysiological studies are practically non-existent. For a number of technical reasons the application of traditional electrophysiological techniques using hydrozoans have proven to be quite difficult and overall not successful. This study will examine the properties of dissociated Hydra neurons by utilizing the technique of patch clamping. This microelectrode technique permits the recording of ion channels from cells too small that would not be possible with traditional electrophysiological methods. The effects of a putative neurotransmitter on whole cell ionic currents and single channels activity of hydra nerve and epithelial cell membranes will be studied. Results from this study will provide additional information on membrane function and physiology of chemical transmission in hydra cells.
