Patent ID: 6268168
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: C12M,G01N

Abstract:
A method for reproducibly detecting a response of a cell to an agent, the method comprising:a) providing an apparatus comprising:i) at least one recording chamber adapted to receive and support the cell;ii) a perfusion system adapted to perfuse said at least one recording chamber with a plurality of perfusion solutions each containing a different agent or concentration of an agent;iii) at least one invasive biosensor adapted to detect the response; andiv) a computer adapted to collect, analyze and display responses detected by said at least one biosensor;said apparatus having performance characteristics such that, starting at a physiological baseline, said apparatus being capable of determining a plateau response of a Xenopus oocyte to the application of 50 .mu.M kainate in less than 10 seconds, and returning to baseline in less than an additional 10 seconds, the determination cycle being repeatable at least 60 times per hour for the life of the Xenopus oocyte;b) introducing a cell into the recording chamber;c) perfusing the cell with a plurality of perfusion solutions each containing a different agent or concentration of an agent;d) detecting the response of the cell to perfusions; ande) collecting, analyzing and displaying response data.