Fig. 3. Experimental set-up for patch-clamp recordings and high-speed TIRF microscopy, and inward currents induced by mechanical-stimuli. (A) A whole-cell patch-clamp recording was made from a cell subjected to localized mechanical stimulation. The displacement of the FN bead was monitored with photodiodes during the experiment using an IR YAG laser. Blue laser light (473 nm) was introduced into the objective lens to produce an evanescent illumination for the measurement of [Ca²⁺]_i and was controlled with a high-speed shutter (results are shown in Fig. 5B). (B) Displacement of the bead induced an inward current. 20 µM Gd³⁺ reduced the amplitude of the inward current. The inward current partially recovered after the removal of Gd³⁺ (right trace). Arrows denote the displacement of the FN bead.