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Pressure ejection system for quantitative focal application of neuroactive substances from micropipettes

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Abstract

A pressurised, pusled, drug ejection system is described. The system uses a laboratory 60 psi (414 kPa) air source, in conjunction with other components, to pressure-eject known amounts of neuroactive chemicals from micropipettes onto tissue cultured neurons. A potential-driven solenoid valve switches the flow on and off, while an electronic pressure transducer, along with associated circuitry, provides parameters of application (pressure amplitude, onset and duration). The pressure switching action has a risetime of 5–10 ms. The quantity of compound ejected can be quantitatively predetermined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Neurophysiology, National Institutes of Health, NINCDS Building 36, Room 2C-02, 20205, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    T. G. Smith Jr. & M. F. Cunningham

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  1. T. G. Smith Jr.
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  2. M. F. Cunningham
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Smith, T.G., Cunningham, M.F. Pressure ejection system for quantitative focal application of neuroactive substances from micropipettes. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 21, 138–144 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441528

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02441528

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