Automated analysis equipment and assay method for detecting cell surface protein and/or cytoplasmic receptor function using same

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US92/11090 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 20, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 20, 1994 PCT Filed Dec. 13, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO93/13423 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 8, 1993Automated measurement apparatus and methods for automated drug screening and for studying ion channel and cell surface receptor activity are provided. The apparatus is designed to initiate and measure rapid or transient events, such as cell receptor and/or ion channel activity. The apparatus can effect measurements of transient reactions in or more samples in a multi-well container, initiate the reaction with reagent addition and measure a resulting attribute of the sample for a period of time. The apparatus is capable of substantially continuously measuring and recording data corresponding to the measured attribute before, during and after initiation of the reaction so that a time course of the rapid or transient event is determined. Automated drug screening methods and methods for studying receptor and ion channel activity using the apparatus are also provided. The drug screening assays identify compounds that activate, inhibit or potentiate cellular ion channel or receptor activity.