Automated analysis equipment and assay method for detecting cell surface protein and/or cytoplasmic receptor function using same
US6372183B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/115831
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Automated measurement apparatus and methods for automated drug screening procedures are provided. The apparatus is capable of initiating and measuring rapid or transient events, such as cell receptor and/or ion channel activity. In particular, the apparatus is capable of aligning with predetermined positions, one or more samples contained in a multi-well container, initiating the reaction with reagent addition and measuring a resultant attribute for a period of time. The apparatus can substantially continuously measure and record data corresponding to the measured attribute before, during and after initiation of the reaction so that a time course of the rapid or transient event may be determined. After the reaction(s) are complete in one or more wells of the multi-well container, the apparatus can align one or more different wells to be assayed with the predetermined position and repeat the cycle until a predetermined number of wells are assayed. Automated drug screening methods employing the apparatus are also provided for screening for compounds which activate, inhibit or potentiate cellular ion channel or receptor activity. The assays include fluorescent indicator-based assays t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.