Ussing chamber

Specifications:

  • Electrophysiological apparatus
  • Consists of two halves that are clamped together with the polarized epithelial cells growing on a support between the two chambers
  • The chambers are filled with a physiological Ringer buffer to remove any chemical or electrical forces that would exert an ion potential on the cell membrane
  • Ion transport occurs from one side of the cell to the other side producing a current
  • The difference in potential is measured

 

Applications:

  • Measurement of the transepithelial transport by secretion or cellular uptake
  • Monitoring the membrane integrity in forming a barrier between the inner and outer environment
  • Analysis of neuronal stimulation and expansion induced secretion in the gut mucosa
  • Identification of the cellular mechanisms, neuronal circuitry, involved transporters, receptors and channels

Ussing chamber