Patch Clamp Companies

I read the article "Special Report: Tools For Neuroscience's Third Decade" [The Scientist, Oct. 29, 1990, page 30] with great interest. I was, however, surprised to see that the article, published in your bonus distribution issue for the Society for Neuroscience meeting, did not mention Axon Instruments Inc., in the list of patch-clamp systems manufacturers.

Being the largest manufacturer of patch-clamp and voltage-clamp instrumentation and software, Axon Instruments deserved to be included in this article. Furthermore, the article failed to mention List, the German company that pioneered patch- clamp instrumentation, and BioLogic, a French manufacturer.

Reviewing a broad range of diversified technologies is a challenge indeed. However, omitting the three leading companies in patch clamping is a serious oversight.

RIVKA SHERMAN-GOLD
Marketing & Technical Support
Axon Instruments Inc.
Foster City, Calif.

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