Patent ID: 7361478
Filing Date: 2008-04-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na + channel whereby the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a test sample 1 comprising b) depolarizing membrane of the cell in the test sample 1; c) generating a current through the persistent Na+ channel by adding Na d) detecting fluorescence emitted by the voltage-sensitive dye in test sample 1; e) providing a control sample 1 comprising f) depolarizing membrane of the cell in the control sample 1; g) generating a current through the persistent Na h) detecting fluorescence emitted by the voltage-sensitive dye in the control sample 1; i) determining the relative emitted fluorescence 1 by comparing the emitted fluorescence from step (d) to the emitted fluorescence from step (h); j) providing a test sample 2 comprising k) depolarizing membrane of the cell in test sample 2; l) detecting the fluorescence emitted by the voltage-sensitive dye in test sample 2; m) providing a control sample 2 comprising n) depolarizing membrane of the cell in control sample 2; o) detecting the fluorescence emitted by the voltage-sensitive dye in control sample 2; p) determining a relative emitted fluorescence 2 by comparing the emitted fluorescence from step (l) to the emitted fluorescence from step (o); q) comparing the relative emitted fluorescence 1 in step (i) with the relative emitted fluorescence 2 in step (p), wherein a decrease is emitted in emitted fluorescence 1 relative to emitted fluorescence 2 is indicative of the presence of a selective persistent Na