Fusion pore conductance: experimental approaches and theoretical algorithms.

Time-resolved admittance measurements provide the basis for studies showing that membrane fusion occurs through the formation and widening of an initially small pore, linking two previously separated aqueous compartments. Here we introduce modifications to this method that correct the cell-pipette (source) admittance for attenuation and phase shifts produced by electrophysiological equipment. Two new approaches for setting the right phase angle are discussed.

Comparison of transient and successful fusion pores connecting influenza hemagglutinin expressing cells to planar membranes.

Time-resolved admittance measurements were used to investigate the evolution of fusion pores formed between cells expressing influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and planar bilayer membranes. The majority of fusion pores opened in a stepwise fashion to semistable conductance levels of several nS. About 20% of the pores had measurable rise times to nS conductances; some of these opened to conductances of approximately 500 pS where they briefly lingered before opening further to semistable conductances.