Analytical Biochemistry 1985-01-01

Flow-injection analysis of catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medulla cells on microbeads.

M Herrera, L S Kao, D J Curran, E W Westhead

Index: Anal. Biochem. 144(1) , 218-27, (1985)

Full Text: HTML

Abstract

Bovine adrenal medullary cells have been cultured on microbeads which are placed in a low-volume flow system for measurements of stimulation-response parameters. Electronically controlled stream switching allows stimulation of cells with pulse lengths from 1 s to many minutes; pulses may be repeated indefinitely. Catecholamines secreted are detected by an electrochemical detector downstream from the cells. This flow-injection analysis technique provides a new level of sensitivity and precision for measurement of kinetic parameters of secretion. A manual injection valve allows stimulation by higher levels of stimulant in the presence of constant low levels of stimulant. Such experiments show interesting differences between the effects of K+ and acetylcholine on cells partially desensitized to acetylcholine.