High resolution respirometry system

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The equipment requested is a High Resolution Respirometry System for monitoring aerobic activity at low oxygen levels in isolated membranes, mitochondria and cells. For technical reasons until recently, most measurements of cellular and mitochondrial function in vitro are conducted at oxygen levels that substantially exceed in vivo cellular levels. Measurements closer to in vivo oxygen levels are technologically challenging and require very specialized equipment that is now available although from only one manufacturer worldwide. The components are constructed of materials such as titanium to minimize oxygen back flow. The electronic conponents are highly stable for more reliable measurements at low oxygen levels. The system includes a titration/electrode system for montoring mitochondrial membrane potential at low oxygen levels. The equipment will be used to measure a wide range of parameters in isolated mitochondria from estivated (dormant) and active lungfish and snails under low physiological levels of oxygen. This equipment is needed to enable my research program to move forward and verify our hypotheses as to the mechanisms of metabolic depression. The effects of low oxygen levels on mitochondrial oxygen affinity, membrane potential and substrate preferences (among other things) will be studied using organisms that are excellent models for studies of metabolic depression. The research the equipment will support thus will have wide biomedical applicability