Astra Ab

Astrazeneca Ab

Axon Instruments, Inc.

Thomas Lanthorn

David Gurley

John E Macor

Maurice A Kildal

James Rosamond

Eric W Harris

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a positive modulator of a nicotinic receptor agonist, said positive modulator having the capability to increase the efficacy of the said nicotinic receptor agonist.

Positive modulators of nicotinic receptors

Positive modulators of nicotinic receptor agonists

A perfusion chamber includes a porous oocyte support structure. A continuously sloped top surface and a receiving well in the support structure entrap the underside of the oocyte, thereby localizing the cell in a predetermined fixed position within the reach of dedicated voltage-clamp microelectrodes. A test solution is delivered continuously at the top of the chamber, above the oocyte, and withdrawn from the bottom of the chamber, below the oocyte. The porosity of the support material enables the continuous perfusion of test solution around the membrane of the oocyte, including its bottom portion that is held firmly in contact with the holding well. The geometry of the holding well is selected such as to ensure the automatic and precise placement of the oocyte by gravity and to optimize the pressure distribution over its membrane, thereby minimizing the probability of rupture or other damage to the cell. The entire top surface of the support structure is sloped inward toward the substantially central well, and the bottom of the well is contoured to conform to the shape of an oocyte of average size.

Perfusion chamber for electrophysiological testing of oocytes

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Pittsford, NY, United States of America

Thomas Lanthorn