Application Notes

Stretch receptors are specialized fibers that are in parallel to the fibers in muscle. The receptors stretch as the muscle is lengthened, and they generate action potentials. The frequency of these action potentials is proportional to the length of muscle stretch and the position of the muscle. Through sensory nerve fibers from the stretch receptors, the action potentials and their frequency provide feedback to the central nervous system that will modulate reflex responses and motor control of the muscle.

Setup

For these studies, the whole muscle and the nerve that innervates it are isolated from the organism. A muscle and its nerve, like the Soleus, is isolated and placed in the cuvette of an SI-MT or SI-HTB muscle research system. The muscle is positioned so that the myoneural junction (the place where the nerve innervates the muscle) is on the top side of the muscle. The ends of...more

Abstract

Concentrations of DNA in solution (31µg/mL and 688µg/mL) were measured with a spectrometer and UV/VIS light source in a DIPUV-Mini. Due to the 2mm pathlength, use of a DIPUV-Mini does not require a pre-measurement dilution within this concentration range, thus a potential source of error was eliminated.

Experimental Procedure...more

Abstract

Concentrations of DNA in solution (31µg/mL and 561µg/mL) were measured with a spectrometer and UV/Vis light source in a cuvette. A 2mm pathlength cuvette does not require a pre-measurement dilution within this concentration range, thus a potential source of error was eliminated. Although a 2mm cuvette has a total internal volume of 0.7mL...more

Suction electrodes are used with muscle research systems to record the action potentials from the stretch receptors at the same time that the length and tension of the muscle are recorded.

 Materials

• soldering iron with solder
• wire strippers
• wooden-handled dissecting pin
• alcohol burner
• can or tube of contact or plastic cement
• fine flat file
• emery cloth
• electrical tape
• popsicle stick
• two pieces of chlorided silver wire (0.005” dia, 5” long)
  (See Chloriding Silver Wire.)
• three feet of shielded, two-conductor, insulated cable
• three color-codedconnectors that will mate to the connectors...more

You can use the PZMIV stereo microscope with a stereotaxic frame as shown in the image below. This setup shows a PZMIV-BS. The U-frame Base Plate (502045) is shown, but most stereotaxic frames can be used in this way. Choose a stereo microscope objective that allows you plenty of room to work. For example, the 0.5X objective has 187mm working distance, or the 0.32X objective has 296mm working distance. You could also add a Z-LITE-Z186 illuminator. If necessary, use a 5 to 10 lb.counter weight on the boom stand base to prevent the microscope from tipping.

...more

When it comes to setting up microinjection systems, the options appear endless. The pictures below give some broad suggestions on how you might set up your own system. Keep in mind that many parts are interchangeable depending on your needs or preferences.

In general, you will need a stereo microscope on a stand, a light source, one or two micromanipulators with stands, and one or two injection systems. The following images show various setups for microinjection, and all the WPI part numbers are included for easy reference.

Remember, when you set up your own system, choose the parts that fit your needs. For example:

• M10 or the M9 magnetic base could be used.
• PZMIV...more

Isolated Stimulation and Stimulus Isolators

The term stimulation refers to the delivery of energy of some kind to a biological tissue in order to elicit an observable response.

Although the energy used in stimulation may be chemical, thermal, mechanical or electrical, this discussion will focus on electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of biological tissues involves the delivery of current and voltage to the stimulation site. The two quantities are related by Ohm's law:

V=IR

Where V is the applied voltage, I is the current and R is the electrical resistance of the tissue and or the stimulating electrodes. This simple equation shows that if voltage is constant, current flow will diminish if the tissue/electrode resistance goes up, and will increase if the resistance decreases.

More commonly, the resistance of tissue differs from sample to sample, and the resistance...more