Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

Patch-Clamping (Molecular Devices): The patch-clamp technique allows high resolution, real-time, recording of ion channel activity in acutely isolated or cultured cells.

Calcium Imaging

Ca2+ Microfluorimetry Set-up (Cairn Research: http://www.cairn-research.co.uk): Measurement of global intracellular calcium levels in cells and tissues using the calcium indicator dye, Fura-2. Biorad MR A1 Confocal Microscope: This system allows measurement of local changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration by rapid line scan imagingRotating Disc Confocal System (Visitech International; http://www.visitech.co.uk): High-speed 2-dimensional confocal calcium imaging

Pressure Myography

Confocal Pressure Myograph System (Danish Myo Technology A/S; http://www.dmt.dk): This system allows for the simultaneous in vitro monitoring of contractile responses in isolated pressurised arterial vessels and measurements of intracellular calcium using confocal microscopy.Culture myography (4-channel system) (Danish Myo Technology A/S; http://www.dmt.dk): Culture myography enables the user to maintain isolated blood vessels in a pressurised state for several days, thus allowing the application of molecular biology techniques to investigate the contribution of specific proteins in mediating contractile responses.

Ocular Blood Flow

Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter (HRF) (Heidelberg Engineering http://www.heidelbergengineering.co.uk): Laser Doppler analysis of retinal blood flow in vivo

For further information please contact Dr Tim Curtis (t.curtis@qub.ac.uk)

Panlab 8 Chamber Organ Bath System

Applications: Quantification of ex vivo vascular function in isolated vessels from mice, rats, guinea-pigs and rabbits. This system includes a PowerLab data acquisition system, Bridge Amplifier, Isometric Transducers and LabChart software, which combine to provide a controlled system for accurate assessment of isolated vessel pharmacology.