Estimation of single channel kinetic parameters from data subject to limited time resolution

The limited responsiveness of single-channel recording systems results in some brief events not being detected, and if this is ignored parameter estimation from the observed data will be biased. Statistical methods of correcting for this limited time resolution in a two-state Markov model have been proposed by Neher (1983. J. Physiol. (Lond.). 339:663–678) and by Colquhoun and Sigworth (1983. Single Channel Recording. 191–263). However, a numerical study by Blatz and Magleby (1986. Biophys. J. 49:967–980) indicated differences of 3–40% in the corrected values given by the two techniques. Here we explain why Neher's method produces biased results and the Colquhoun and Sigworth approach, which is no more difficult, provides reasonably accurate estimates.