Schuler Cascade Superfusion Bath System
Permits testing of extremely small quantities of pharmaceuticals.
Metabolites or mediators released are passed to the subsequent test preparation and can become effective there. Test up to four preparations (muscle strips or isolated tissues).
To ensure that your system is properly configured as a functional unit that meets your application needs, please complete our Checklist and contact Technical Services before placing an order. In Europe, please call +49 7665-9200-0 or email sales@hugo-sachs.de. For other regions, 800-597-0580 or email sales@harvardapparatus.com.
The Superfusion Cascade Bath permits testing of extremely small quantities of pharmaceuticals. Any metabolites or mediators released are passed to the subsequent test preparation and can become effective there. It is possible to test up to four preparations (muscle strips or isolated tissues).
Features & Benefits
Applications
Set Up & Operations
Additional Equipment Required
Features & Benefits
- Permits testing of extremely small quantities of pharmaceuticals
- Low volume superfusion is useful when only small quantities of drugs are available
- Evaluation of metabolites or mediators released on subsequent tissues in the fluid cascade
- No contact with glass—surface-active substances cannot be absorbed on the glass surface and contaminate results
Applications
- Detection of substances affecting the smooth musculature (prostaglandins, bradykinin, angiotension II, etc.)
- Suitable for colon, bladder, ileum, duodenum, aortic strips
Set Up & Operation
The Superfusion Cascade Bath, as modified by Schuler, consists of a Plexiglass moist chamber which is thermostated by radiant heat from a thermostated metal plate. Temperature control is provided by a thermostatic circulator. The preparations are contained in the thermostated chamber.
The four tissues are arranged in cascade so that each tissue receives its superfusion solution from the previous tissue through a small tube. These stainless steel tubes carry a ring to which the tissues are attached. Part of the tube is in the form of an open channel. The tubes can be moved in height (vertically) and also horizontally, ensuring optimum adjustment to suit the suspended tissues and allows superfusion free from any interruption. Mounting the tissues is simplified by the removable front panel of the chamber.
A roller pump produces a small flow of solution (1 to 10 ml/min) which is warmed by the heat exchanger then drips on to the uppermost test preparation. There is a provision for switching between two different solutions. The effluent of each preparation passes in the form of a cascade onto the subsequent preparation. Any muscle contractions produced are measured by force transducers (isometric contraction measurement) or displacement transducers (isotonic contraction measurement).
Additional Equipment Required
Thermocirculator, four force transducers with suitable amplifiers, data acquisition. Reservoirs with aerators must be ordered separately.