Ussing chamber

Ussing Chamber

An Ussing chamber is a laboratory device used to measure the transport of ions and other substances across epithelial tissues. It is named after the Danish physiologist Hans Ussing, who developed the chamber in the 1950s. The Ussing chamber has since become a standard tool in the field of epithelial physiology.

Structure and Function

The Ussing chamber consists of two compartments separated by a thin sheet of epithelial tissue. Each compartment is filled with a physiological solution that mimics the conditions found in the body. The tissue is mounted between two chambers, and electrodes are used to measure the electrical properties of the tissue.

When an electrical current is applied across the tissue, ions will move from one side to the other, creating an electrical potential difference. By measuring this potential difference, researchers can determine the rate of ion transport across the tissue. The Ussing chamber can also be used to study the effects of drugs, hormones, and other substances on epithelial transport.

Applications

The Ussing chamber is commonly used in research on the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and other epithelial tissues. It has been instrumental in studying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, diarrhea, and drug absorption. Researchers can use the Ussing chamber to investigate the mechanisms of ion transport, barrier function, and drug permeability in various tissues.

In addition to basic research, the Ussing chamber is also used in drug development and testing. Pharmaceutical companies use the chamber to screen potential drug candidates for their effects on epithelial transport. This information is crucial for understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, and eliminated in the body.

Overall, the Ussing chamber is a versatile tool that has contributed significantly to our understanding of epithelial physiology and drug transport mechanisms.