Methods of measuring membrane potential using J-aggregate forming dyes
US5169788A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/80
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a method of detecting a localized biochemical event in a cell, wherein said event results in a change in the membrane potential of that cell. The method includes treating the cell with a composition containing a lipophilic, cationic dye having a delocalized positive charge and the ability to undergo multiple changes in fluorescence spectra upon aggregation. The cell is treated with the dye for a time sufficient to enable the dye to associate with the cell. Dye which has not associated with the cell is then removed. Fluorescence is observed when the cell is exposed to light having a wavelength suitable for exciting the dye. The spectrum obtained is indicative of the relative membrane potential of said cell, and a change in that membrane potential being indicative of the occurrence of a biochemical event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.