Mechanical properties of mammalian single smooth muscle cells II. Evaluation of a modified technique for attachment of cells to the measurement apparatus

Abstract

A method is described for attaching isolated single smooth muscle cells to an apparatus designed for measuring the longitudinal forces developed passively and actively by the cell upon straining, electrical or pharmacological stimulation. Primary attachment of the cell is based on its natural negative surface charge in combination with a positive surface charge on the micro-tools used for attaching. Definite attachment is obtained by a knotting technique. Results show that this method of attachment is reliable and strong enough to withhold forces exceeding those necessary to break or tear the cell. Although this method allows relatively short cells to be attached (L greater than 80 microns). alternative methods e.g. glueing, are necessary to attach the shortest smooth muscle cells.

Mechanical properties of mammalian single smooth muscle cells III. Passive properties of pig detrusor and human a terme uterus cells

“…Both procedures were carried out as described previously (Glerum et al, 1987;Glerum & Van Mastrigt, 1990b). …”

Mechanical properties of mammalian single smooth muscle cells I. A low cost large range microforce transducer

“…The design by Ishii employs a very long light path, compromising long term stability, and uses suction as a method of cell attachment with a non axial pull on the cell. The design by Wieringa et al, (1984) involves an insufficient method of cell attachment showing slip at a force level of approximately 1.5/~N ( Glerum & Van Mastrigt, 1990) and has a poor bandwidth due fo ifs video method for position detection. Also the maximum length to which the cell can be stretched is rather limited.…”