Ussingkammere

The Ussing chamber is a scientific apparatus used to study the transport of ions and molecules across biological membranes, particularly epithelia. Invented by Hans-Ulrich Ussing in the late 1940s, it allows for precise measurement of electrical and chemical gradients across a tissue sample. The chamber consists of two halves, each containing a compartment. The tissue is mounted between these two halves, creating a barrier between the apical and basolateral sides.

Solutions are added to each compartment, allowing researchers to control the environment on either side of the tissue. By applying voltage clamps or current injections, the electrical properties of the membrane, such as its resistance and the flow of ions, can be measured. Changes in ion concentrations or the addition of specific substances can then be used to investigate transport mechanisms, the function of ion channels, and the effects of drugs or hormones.

The Ussing chamber is a versatile tool and has been applied to a wide range of biological research, including studies of the intestine, kidney, lung, and skin. Its ability to isolate and precisely control the conditions across a biological membrane makes it invaluable for understanding fundamental physiological processes and for developing therapies for diseases related to transport dysfunction. The setup allows for the determination of permeability coefficients, active transport rates, and the identification of specific transporter proteins.