Here's the experiment in the presence of TTX, a drug that blocks the sodium activation gate. In this case, no sodium ccurrent can flow. There is only and outward poatssium current. This current increases as the potassium activation gate opens. The activation gate does not close.....ever....under these conditions because the gate is voltage - dependent, and the voltage is held at a constant positive level by the clamp.

 

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Basic Voltage Clamp Strategy

Clamp in the presence of TTX blocking Na Channels

Clamp in the presence of TEA blocking K Channels