Ussing chamber station for the measurement of current produced by transpithelial ion movement

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This equipment request is for an Ussing chamber station. This apparatus will be used by a new faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan for the measurement of current produced by salt movement across cells. The applicant will make extensive use of the equipment in his research program by measuring the movement of chloride, a component of salt, in cells lining the airway (or windpipe). In the long term, his research program will develop a more in-depth knowledge of proteins called channels that allow the movement of chloride out of cells and onto the airway surface. The chloride pulls water with it, thus properly hydrating the airway and protecting it against infection. This research will lead to a better understanding of respiratory diseases that impact Canadians, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and will lead to the development of innovative treatments. This new equipment is crucial for effective execution of the research program of the applicant. The only equipment available is 25 years old, slow, unreliable, and at times inaccurate. The new equipment will produce results faster because of its larger capacity, be reliable because of its age and quality, give more accurate results because of its new electronics, and run more samples simultaneously.