The Horizontal Diffusion Chamber System is designed for transport and toxicology studies using cells and tissues which are exposed to an air interface which occurs in the normal in vivo environment such as with nasal, pulmonary, corneal, or dermal cells. The chambers create an environment in which the apical surface of the tissue or cell monolayer is exposed to liquids, semi-solid compounds or gases while the basolateral surface is perfused with medium.
The Horizontal Diffusion Chamber System consists of six horizontal chambers, and six closed open chamber tops into which either Snapwell™ devices or tissue mounting rings may be fitted on a horizontal plane, and a heat block. The closed perfusion system also accepts optional diffusion chamber electrodes for resistance measurements and electrophysiology. Either a peristaltic or syringe pump (not included with the system, see Section A in our Full-Line Bioscience Catalog) can be used to perfuse the lower surface of the Snapwell™ insert, usually the basolateral surface. The apical (upper) surface of the diffusion chamber can be used in either the open or closed configuration.
Open Configuration: The upper (apical) surface of the cells is directly accessible, making the system suitable for drug transport or cytotoxicity testing of liquids and semi-solid materials.
Closed Configuration
Cells or tissue can be exposed to solutions, perfused with gas or liquid, or gas pressure can be applied. The closed perfusion system also accepts Diffusion Chamber Electrodes for resistance measurements and electrophysiology.
Diffusion Chamber Electrodes
Diffusion Chamber Electrodes, see diagram on page 191, can be used in both Vertical and Horizontal Diffusion Chambers for making monolayer resistance measurements and electrophysiological determinations. The 2 mm pin connections are compatible with our electrical manifolds that connect the electrodes to various models of Current/Voltage Clamps, see pages M176 to M182. The silver/silver chloride reference electrode consists of a chlorided silver wire contained in a glass barrel that terminates in a ceramic tip. The barrel is filled with any suitable electrolyte solution, usually the buffer used for the external media or 3M KCl, and is refillable. The microporous ceramic tip limits the flux of ions into and out of the electrodes, making them a suitable replacement for bridge systems in most applications. The electrode connects to a wire 1 m in length and is terminated with a 2 mm gold plated pin. We offer a single horizontal diffusion chamber and a 6-chamber system. The system includes the following components:
Catalog No. Qty. Product
66-0017 1 Heat Block for Horizontal Chambers, for 1 to 6 Chambers
66-0016 6 Horizontal Diffusion Chambers