This unique and versatile Brain/Tissue Slice Chamber System offers the investigator two in vitro methods for studying a thin slice of tissue.
This versatile Brain/Tissue Slice Chamber System offers the investigator two in vitro methods of studying perfused thin tissue slices.
The Brain/Tissue Slice Chamber System contains the flowing components:
Slices can be stored ready-to-go with the BSC-PC pre-chamber which allows up to 12 brain slices to be safely stored in vitro while maintaining slice viability. (Available separately.)
BSC-BUW Base Unit
The BSC-BUW is a new, Warner designed version of the legacy BSC-BU base unit. The BSC-BUW is fully compatible with the Warner TC-324C and TC-344C Temperature controllers.
Both temperature controllers are low noise and provide well-filtered DC heating current. This allows even sensitive electrophysiologic recordings, such as single channel patch clamping, to be made without electrical interference.
Convenient
Temperature regulated perfusion lines are built in to the base unit for rapid changeover of superfusing fluids without the need for an external, temperature regulated, perfusate supply tank.
Designed by Experts
Over twenty years ago two leading electrophysiologists, Drs. Haas and Zbicz, designed these chambers for use in their own research. Design improvements employed over the ensuing decades have been enjoyed by electrophysiologists worldwide.
The function of the Base Unit is to warm the superfusing solution in systems using either the Zbicz or Haas tops to study brain/tissue slices.
The BSC_BUW Base Unit consists of a double walled cylinder which filled with distilled water that encloses a nichrome heating element. The cavity also contains two separate sets of PVC tubing which can transport one or two superfusing solutions up to the slice chamber. The base unit also holds an aerator used to humidify the Haas Top .
The base unit is mounted on legs which suspend the heating cylinder. This prevents thermal expansion artifiacts due to heating. This stabilizes the top unit and slice during temperature changes. The base unit is specifically designed to accept both the BSC-HT and the BSC-ZT top units; this makes for both economy and versatility.
The Haas Top is an interface-type chamber utilizing semi-submersion principles for the study of brain/tissue slices.
The Haas Top (BSC-HT) provides for rapid exchange of superfusing fluids, and excellent stability for intracellular recording. Normally used in conjunction with the BSC-BUW or BSC-BU base units and a temperature controller. Slices rest on nylon mesh below which a thin sheet of the perfusate of interest flows. The bottom side of the slice is wet as capillary action saturates the mesh. Slices are oxygenated by a warmed and humidified mixture of 95/5% O2/CO2 which flows across the top surface of the slice. The BSC-HT has been designed so that the effects of two drugs can be studied simultaneously. One drug flows down the left portion of the chamber and the second down the right.
The Zbicz Top is a submersion-type chamber in which tissue slices are supported on a stiff nylon mesh. Slices are perfused both from below and above.
Slices remain viable for 10 hours or more
The Zbicz Top (BSC-ZT) is a submersion-type chamber in which tissue slices are supported on a nylon mesh. The perfusate flows transversely across both cut surfaces. The steady flow of warmed media across the slightly submerged slice surfaces is sufficient to keep many tissues alive and responsive for 10 or more hours.
The fluid level is set to 1 mm above the mesh by a dam at the end of the chamber. The chamber is 6 mm wide and the trough is 24 mm long; this provides adequate room for slices and instrumentation, yet minimizes the well volume to optimize drug change over times. Fluid overflowing the dam is drained via a vacuum line to waste.
Slices are mechanically stable
Slices are placed on a special ribbed nylon mesh and may be held in place by 3 to 4 stimulating electrodes or a plastic insert. This stability is attributed to the stiff nylon mesh which does not rise or sag with changes in fluid flow, therefore moderate changes in the transverse laminar flow can be well tolerated during intracellular and extracellular recordings. These features allow for switching of solutions with minimal risk of tissue movement and loss of neurons while recording.
Low volume chamber
The low volume of the chamber cavity and the relatively fast flow rate allows rapid exchange of solution (1 to 2 minutes) which facilitates drug application studies.
Slices remain moist
Slices remain moist and viable, because they are wetted on both sides and do not dry out due to surrounding air currents.
Semipermanent mesh
The mesh surface holding the slice is semipermanent and can be cleaned easily. The BSC-ZT comes with extra mesh which can be installed easily when necessary.
Low electrode capacitance
Because the fluid depth is shallow (400 to 600 microns), the electrode capacitance remains low; an important consideration in single microelectrode voltage and patch clamping.
Minimal bubble formation
Bubbles, which can form in the heating unit, escape by the path formed at the entrance of the trough. Movement of the slice will not result if bubbles inadvertently form under the mesh. The flow of solution over the slice top will maintain tissue viability.
The Pre-chamber allows multiple brain slices to be stored in vitro for hours while maintaining excellent viability prior to study using either the BSC-HT or BSC-ZT.
The Pre-chamber (BSC-PC) chamber allows up to 12 brain slices to be safely stored in vitrowhile maintaining excellent slice viability.
A mixture of 95% O2 /5% CO2 is bubbled through physiological saline within the chamber. This initiates a circular flow of oxygen enriched saline which continuously permeates the slices. Slices can remain viable for hours while awaiting transfer to an examining chamber. Gas flow pressure should not exceed 5 p.s.i.
Insert is included.
BSC-BUW | BSC-HT | BSC-ZT | BSC-PC | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
114.6 x 139.45 x 111.13 mm (4.511 x 5.490 x 4.375 in) |
111.13 x 85.41 x 23.80 mm (4.375 x 3.365 x 0.937 in) |
98.55 x 101.60 x 28.19 mm (3.880 x 4.000 x 1.110 in) |
11.27 x 4.89 x 9.54 cm (4.435 x 1.928 x 3.757 in) |
Weight | 618 g (1 lb 5.8 oz) | 130.41 g (4.60 oz) | 124.74 g (4.40 oz) | 362.87 g |
Volume of cup | 22.7 ml |
References
Customers from Europe and Australia can use the Multi Channel Systems - Online Shop to order Warner products or create quotes.
Order No. | Model No. | Product Description | USA Price | Order |
---|---|---|---|---|
Warner Based System | ||||
64-1525 | BSC-BUW | BSC-BU base unit compatible with Warner temperature controllers, includes connecting cable | Login | Login |
65-0074 | BSC-ZT | Zbicz Top including nylon mesh | Login | Login |
65-0075 | BSC-HT | Haas top including 2 slice holders | Login | Login |
65-0076 | BSC-PC | Prechamber for holding slices | Login | Login |
64-2400 | TC-324C | Heater controller, single channel, 110-230 VAC, 50/60Hz | Login | Login |
64-2401 | TC-344C | Heater controller, dual channel, 110-230 VAC, 50/60Hz | Login | Login |
Med Systems Based System | ||||
65-0074 | BSC-ZT | Zbicz Top including nylon mesh | Login | Login |
65-0075 | BSC-HT | Haas top including 2 slice holders | Login | Login |
65-0076 | BSC-PC | Prechamber for holding slices | Login | Login |
Accessories and Replacement Parts (General) | ||||
65-0078 | BSC-AIR | Aeration Element Replacement, Set of 2 | Login | Login |
65-0081 | BSC-TUBE | Base Unit (BSC-BU) tubing set replacement, Tygon 0.031 x 0.093 (ID x OD) | Login | Login |
65-0079 | BSC-ORING | Base Unit (BSC-BU) replacement gasket set | Login | Login |
65-0082 | BSC-G10 | Haas top (BSC-HT) tissue insert replacement, Set of 2 | Login | Login |
65-0083 | BSC-HTC | Haas top (BSC-HT) plastic cover replacement | Login | Login |
65-0084 | BSC-HT-AG | Haas top (BSC-HT) ground wire replacement | Login | Login |
65-0086 | BSC-ZTC | Zbicz Top (BSC-ZT) plastic insert replacement | Login | Login |
65-0087 | BSC-PC-VAL | Prechamber (BSC-PC) valve replacement | Login | Login |
65-0608 | BSC-PC Insert | Insert for BSC-PC Prechamber Tissue Slice Chamber | Login | Login |
65-0090 | BSC-MESH | Replacement mesh for Haas and Zbicz tops, and for prechamber cup bottom, 4 x 4 in | Login | Login |
65-0088 | BSC-ACC-KIT | Base Unit, Haas and Zbicz tops accessory kit (replacement screws, fittings and mesh) | Login | Login |
Accessories and Replacement Parts (Warner) | ||||
64-1697 | BSC-HEW | Replacement heating wire for BSC-BUW | Login | Login |
64-1591 | BSC-CABLE-W | BSC-BUW connecting cable for Warner temperature controllers | Login | Login |
Accessories and Replacement Parts (Med Systems) | ||||
65-0080 | BSC-HE | Replacement heating wire for BSC-BU | Login | Login |
65-0091 | BSC-CABLE | BSC-BU connecting cable for Med Systems temperature controllers | Login | Login |
65-0104 | Output cable, 6 pin to banana for TC-202A or BSC-BU | Login | Login |