The Confocal wire myograph is specially designed to provide very close optical access to the mounted artery or tissue segment. High resolution images of fluorescent dyes or markers within the living tissues such as those by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) become possible. Combining LSCM with myography allows simultaneous measurement of isometric force and e.g. intracellular Ca2+ or pH in cells in the wall of isolated blood vessels and ring mounted tissues.

»designed to provide very close optical access«

The unique design combines the precision and stability of the conventional wire myography with the added feature of precise Z-axis movement controlled with a micrometer. This optimizes the use with different LSCM’s, various high magnification and high NA objective lenses.

»For working distances smaller than 250μm on inverted laser scanning confocal microscopes«

The bath design allows easy access for the high numerical aperture immersion lenses used on inverted microscopes and also direct immersion lenses used on standard upright microscopes. Also, by using special mounting supports designed specifically to allow vertical positioning, an isolated blood vessel or ring mounted tissues can be positioned directly above or on the chamber window.

This permits use of lenses with working distances smaller than 250 μm on an inverted laser scanning confocal microscope. Furthermore, this is advantageous when performing electrophysiological measurements simultaneously. The chambers are supplied with custom covers for inverted or upright microscope systems with connections for suction, gassing or measurement electrodes (pH, NO, or oxygen tension).

During the experiment, the circumference of the vessel is kept constant, i.e. the vessel is examined under isometric conditions. Compounds are added directly to the chamber, and vessel force/tension is measured reflecting the contractile or relaxing effects.

While on the LSCM, data acquired from the myograph (such as force and temperature) can be recorded continuously, either by using the user-defined analog outputs or querying the serial interface.