Patent ID: 6539244
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An automatic electrophysiological measuring apparatus provided with a container having a plurality of cells for holding Xenopus Oocytes; a grounding electrode arranged in each of said cells; an XY stage for holding and moving said container to position one of said Xenopus Oocytes in a prescribed one of said cells; an inserting means for causing one or two glass electrodes to penetrate said Xenopus Oocyte in said cell; a detecting means for detecting electric signals emitted from said glass electrode(s); a fixing means for fixing the membrane potential of said Xenopus Oocyte to a prescribed value; a microsyringe for administering a chemical substance to said Xenopus Oocyte; and a control means for controlling said XY stage, said inserting means, said fixing means and said microsyringe, wherein said control means for distinguishing, on the basis of said electric signals emitted from said glass electrode(s), the contact of said glass electrode(s) with the solution surface in said cell and with the membrane surface of said Xenopus Oocyte and the penetration of said glass electrode(s) into the membrane of said Xenopus Oocyte.