Patent ID: 6979532
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: A61P,C12N,G01N

Abstract:
1. A process comprising a) providing, in a suitable container, cells that express a hyperpolarization-activated cation channel; b) hyperpolarizing the cells in the presence of a potential-sensitive fluorescent dye and an isoosmolar sodium-ion-free buffer; c) optionally, determining the membrane potential of the cells; d) simultaneously adding sodium ions and a sample containing at least one substance to be tested for its ability to modulate the activity of the cation channel; e) determining the membrane potential of the cells; f) determining whether the membrane potential changed upon simultaneous addition of sodium ions and the substance(s); and g) optionally, recording the change in membrane potential, wherein a change in membrane potential indicates the presence of at least one substance in the sample that modulates the activity of the cation channel.