Merck + Co., Inc.

Merck Sharp + Dohme Corp.

Paul R Augustine

Gary S Kath

Owen B McManus

Tina Garyantes

Cordelia G Rasa

John P Imredy

Randal M Bugianesi

Michael K Wismer

Paul B Bennett

Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup () which is on a cup holder basin (), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Method and apparatus for measuring the volume of an animal paw

Methods of identifying activators and inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels are provided in which the methods employ electrical field stimulation of the cells in order to manipulate the open/close state transition of the voltage-gated ion channels. This allows for more convenient, more precise experimental manipulation of these transitions, and, coupled with efficient methods of detecting the result of ion flux through the channels, provides methods that are especially suitable for high throughput screening.

Electrical field stimulation of eukaryotic cells

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Carteret, NJ, United States of America

Paul R Augustine