A combined solution exchange/plunge-freezing device for skinned muscle fibers

For many contractility studies, defined functional states of skinned muscle fiber preparations can be introduced by application of standardized perfusion protocols with large varieties of experimental solutions. Functionally important subcellular element distributions in the myoplasm and in the sarc...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Stegmann, Heiko (Author) , Fink, Rainer (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: [1999]
In: Journal of muscle research and cell motility
Year: 1999, Volume: 20, Issue: 5, Pages: 497-503
ISSN:1573-2657
DOI:10.1023/A:1005527328882
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005527328882
Get full text
Author Notes:Heiko Stegmann and Rainer H.A. Fink (II. Physiologisches Institut, Universita»t Heidelberg)
Description
Summary:For many contractility studies, defined functional states of skinned muscle fiber preparations can be introduced by application of standardized perfusion protocols with large varieties of experimental solutions. Functionally important subcellular element distributions in the myoplasm and in the sarcoplasmic reticulum can be measured with high spatial resolution by electron microscopic microanalysis. Capturing these subcellular ion distributions requires their rapid immobilization by quick-freezing. We therefore combined a plunge-freezing device with a semiautomatic solution exchanger to reproducibly perfuse skinned muscle fiber bundles with multiple solutions. The isometric tension produced is simultaneously recorded as an indicator for the functional state. The samples can be quick-frozen at any chosen time of the tension transient. A cryoglueing technique finally delivers specimens suitable for cryoultramicrotomy.
Item Description:Gesehen am 27.04.2021
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1573-2657
DOI:10.1023/A:1005527328882