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Fluorescence imaging of electrically stimulated cells
Paul Burnett1, Janet K Robertson, Jeffrey M Palmer
1Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ 08869, USA.
Journal of Biomolecular Screening
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Developing high-throughput screens (HTS) for voltage-gated ion channels is challenging. This study presents a novel electrical field stimulation device for physiologically relevant HTS of ion channel modulators.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biophysics
Background:
- High-throughput screening (HTS) for voltage-gated ion channels (VGCCs) is difficult due to their dependence on transmembrane voltage.
- Current methods often use pharmacological interventions, which can introduce artifacts and compromise physiological relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a physiologically relevant HTS method for VGCC modulators.
- To present preliminary results from a novel electrical field stimulation (EFS) device for activating VGCCs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a prototype EFS device to deliver precise electrical stimuli to cell populations.
- Monitored changes in VGCC activity using digital fluorescence microscopy.
- Applied voltage stimuli to SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells.
Main Results:
- The EFS device provided real-time analysis of cellular responses to stimuli.
- Electrical stimulation evoked membrane potential changes dependent on voltage-gated sodium channel activation.
- Data suggests the system's suitability for HTS.
Conclusions:
- The EFS device offers a promising approach for physiologically relevant HTS of VGCC modulators.
- This method overcomes limitations of current pharmacological screening techniques.
- The system demonstrates potential for advancing drug discovery for neurological disorders.