Warner Instruments OOCYTE CLAMP OC-725B

The Warner Instruments OC-725B Oocyte Clamp is a precision instrument designed for high-quality micromanipulation in oocyte research. It features robust construction, adjustable clamps, and ergonomic controls that provide ease of use for delicate operations in laboratory environments. Perfect for labs working with oocytes, embryos, and other cell manipulation tasks.

Fast Stable Voltage Clamping: The OC-725B combines high AC and DC gains and a voltage compliance of ±180 volts to insure fast, nonsaturating clamp performance under nearly any condition. The AC clamp gain is variable up to 2000. An additional DC gain of 1 x 106 may be employed for high conductance cells(leaky oocytes).Two clamp speeds are available:The Slow mode is used for screening oocytes or for applications not requiring fast response times. The Fast mode is used for accurate voltage clamp of fast whole cell currents. Clamp response time in the Fast mode is 350 µsec (10-90% rise time) when applying a 100 mV step to a model cell.

Voltage Headstage Probe: The voltage measuring headstage is a single-ended, high-impedance probe. Its small size, convenient mounting rod and 2 meter cable make for easy attachment to a micropositioner. The headstage input is a 2 mmdiameter pin. An electrode holder with a 2 mm jack (supplied) mounts directly on the headstage

Voltage & Current Meters: Independent meters provide simultaneous displays of membrane voltage Vm and membrane current Im. To assure proper impalement of the current electrode, the current meter displays membrane potential Ve from the current electrode before the clamp circuit is turned on.

Electrode Holders: Electrode holders with silver wires are typically required with the clamp; a straight type for use with the voltage headstage and a 45° type with mounting handle for use with current electrodes. Vents have been added to the electrodes to prevent pressure build-up inside the electrode which can damage oocytes. A two meter length cable assembly is provided to connect the current electrode holder to the clamp.

Clamp Commands: The internal Hold control is a digital push button control with two ranges;±1 to 99 mV (x1) and ±2 to 198 mV (x2). Hold can be incremented in steps of 1, 2, 10 and 20 mV for I-V studies. External command signals applied to Command IN ÷10 are attenuated to reduce noise from the command source.

Additional Features

• Buzz controls (1 kHz square wave) for each electrode aid in penetration of cell membranes with a minimum of leakage.
• Overload alarm (audible and visual) indicate when the compliance voltage is exceeded safeguarding the oocyte and indicating that current records are subject to saturation.
• DC Offsets for both voltage and current electrodes.
• Electrode Test for both electrodes.
• Capacity Compensation for the Vm voltage input.old and external commands are summed.

Dual Oocyte Studies: Some studies, such as voltage control across gap junctions, require the clamping of two oocytes in a common bath using two voltage clamps. The combined currents from the two oocytes cause problems since the bath clamp headstage cannot separate the individual currents and therefore cannot provide effective clamping.

Specifications

• Model cell used to obtain specifications: model membrane, 1 MΩ in parallel with 220 nF, 1 MΩ current and voltage electrodes
• Noise measurements made with an 8-pole Bessel filter.

Applications of the Warner Instruments Oocyte Clamp OC-725B:

1. Oocyte and Embryo Manipulation:

   • The clamp is designed for handling and securing oocytes (eggs) during scientific research, particularly in reproductive biology and embryology. It ensures stable positioning without damaging delicate cells.

2. Microsurgical Procedures:

   • The OC-725B is used for microsurgical interventions, such as injection of substances, genetic manipulation, or embryo microinjection. It’s precise, ensuring minimal trauma during surgery.

3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Research:

   • This tool is essential in IVF labs for egg collection, manipulation, and fertilization procedures, as well as for embryo culturing and genetic modifications.

4. Genetic Research and Manipulation:

   • Used in transgenesis, gene editing, and RNA interference studies, particularly when precise handling of cells and embryos is crucial to success.

5. Tissue Engineering and Developmental Biology:

   • The OC-725B is used to manipulate oocytes and embryos for research in tissue development, stem cell research, and organogenesis studies.

6. Cryopreservation Studies:

   • It plays a role in the cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos, where delicate handling is required to prepare cells for freezing without damage.

7. Drug Development and Toxicology Testing:

   • The clamp is used in testing drug effects on embryonic development, where accurate placement and manipulation of cells are critical for observing outcomes.

8. Collaborative Research in Reproductive Health:

   • Used in laboratories focusing on fertility treatments, reproductive health, and conception-related studies, enabling detailed study of gametes and embryos.