ECIS Equipment - UOE/2017/064/WH

Endothelial cell barrier function measurements: Endothelial cells (ECs) play a key role in the cerebrovasculature in maintaining the blood brain barrier (BBB). ECs line the walls of the blood vessels and act as a selective barrier to regulate the passage of fluids, macromolecules, hormones and leukocytes from the vascular space to the interstitium. Our preliminary data indicates that structural alterations of ECs in vitro results in plasma protein leakage and leukocyte extravasation which lead to inflammation.

We have recently received a grant from Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK) allowing us to invest in a label free, non- invasive and automated instrument that will allow monitoring EC behaviour in real- time.

Essential features of the instrument must include

• The ability to perform experiments in controlled gas environments in existing incubators
• Cells to be grown on electrodes with multi-well (8, 16 or 96) configuration
• Computer and an integrated software gathering data and analysis (Windows / MAC compatible)
• The ability to measure impedance in a range of frequencies (low to high)
• The ability to perform measurements under flow conditions (to mimic shear stress on ECs in vivo)
• Training, warranty and service contract
• Consumables (10 experiments: 10 x 8 Well Arrays