Method and apparatus for studying a reaction pattern of a cell or cell aggregates during perfusion with different media

摘要

A method and apparatus for a high time resolution study of a reaction pattern of a cell or cell aggregates by light transmission microscopy during perfusion by different media. The apparatus comprises a light transparent chamber defining a first space for receiving a medium and a second space for receiving a cell or cell aggregates. The first space and second space are separated by a transparent slide and communicate with one another through a slit shaped opening. The slit shaped opening allows a first medium in the first space, for instance a control medium, to be drawn through the cell space by an external pump. The control medium in the first space may be replaced by a different medium, for instance a cytotoxic drug, by pumping the control medium from the first space and replacing it with the test medium. Pumping the control medium out of the first space however does not remove the control medium from the second space. The control medium is removed from the second space and replaced by the test medium when the test medium is drawn through the second space by the external pump. Accordingly, a comparison of the reaction patterns of the cell or cell aggregates may be performed to determine the effects of the control medium and test medium on cell shape, cell size, cell motility, cell death rate, and cell fluorescence among other parameters.