BTX offers a comprehensive line of instruments and accessories for both electroporation and electrofusion of mammalian, bacterial, yeast, fungi, insect and plant cells and tissues. BTX specializes in providing research tools for novel cutting edge applications such as adherent cell electroporation, high-throughput cloning, in vivo gene delivery, in ovo gene delivery, and in & ex utero gene delivery.

Panlab features a set of operating board for general surgical work on small laboratory animals. These one-piece molded boards hold rodents and other small animals during surgery and provide excellent access to the entire length of the animal. Four slots are positioned in the corners of the platform for allowing large and small animals to be held firmly in place. The platform has grooves running both its length and width for drainage or placement of the flushing line during surgery. The tables are mounted on a traditional tripod stand allowing the platform to easily tilt in various directions. Non-slip feet insure a stable position of the system during the whole surgery process.

Two different models are available: 

- The Panlab OT100 Rodent Surgery Table offers a convenient, non-absorbent and easy-to-clean PVC platform. The middle part of the platform is also provided with a set of longer slots for fixing some user-defined surgical accessories.

- The Panlab OT200 Rodent Surgery Table is a homoeothermic table allowing the control of animal temperature during surgery. The operating board is constructed of an extremely durable anodized aluminium platform allowing a uniform heat distribution. The heat of the platform is maintained by the HB 121 Control Unit, working with a DC power supply to minimize any AC ripple interference with the registration of some animal physiological measurements, such as electrocardiogram. The unit allows the user to adjust the body temperature between 34 to 45°C. The heat is maintained by the table-associated temperature probe or a rectal thermistor probe. Table heat and animal body temperatures can be visualized simultaneously on two different displays on the HB121 control unit.

Key features

• Non-absorbent surface
• Holds for easier fixation of animal's extremities
• Tilting Platform
• Thermal control option available for OT200
• Uniform heat distribution for OT200
• Electrical noise avoided thanks to DC power supply for OT200

Specifications 

How to order  

Surgery procedures

For more details about surgery tables in experimentation, consult the following link

Related products

• Anesthesia Systems (HA)
• Homeothermic blanket (P)

The goal of a drug discovery effort is to generate novel, highly selective molecules that either inhibit or activate processes in the cell to ultimately produce therapeutic effects in humans. 

Panlab proposes two multi-channel digital thermometer models suitable for the measurement of animal body temperature using rectal probes. Both systems are designed for working with up to 12 resistive-temperature probes simultaneously.

Temperature is measured by using Yellow Springs (YSI) thermistor and the registered current value shown in the digital display of the front panel with a resolution of 0.1 degrees (sensitivity range: 32-45°C). There is no difference between channels or temperature probes, freely interchangeable. Standard YSI temperature probes should be plugged in the jack connectors of the rear panel, while the temperature value is read from the front panel display.

TMP812 model allows the reading of the current temperature of one channel at once. The selection is done by switching the desired channel in the 12-positions front panel rotary commuter.

TMP812RS model offers a 20x4 LCD display for showing the current temperature of all the probes at the same time. A built-in RS 232/USB communication port, allows sending (by pressing a front panel “SEND” button) the temperature values from all the probes to an external device (matrix printer with serial port or PC computer) through the SEDACOM software.

The new SEDACOM 2.0 version provides an easy and convenient way to visualize and export the data on a computer for further analysis.

Key features

• Precalibrated and interchangeable probes
• Options for Data transfer to a computer or printer

Specifications

How to order 

 Body temperature

See more information about body temperature evaluation in rodents in next link

Panlab provides a complete set of precise, compact and easy-to-use single-, double- or four-channels digital stimulators for general pharmacology and physiology such as organ/tissue bath studies. 

With a wide range of stimulation parameters, these stimulators offer an excellent and low priced alternative when single pulse and train stimulation is required.

Key features

• Pulse and Train formation entirely controlled by Microprocessor
• Allows stimulation of more than one isolated tissue preparation
• Stimulation by Voltage and Current
• Visual short-circuit security warning
• Square-wave pulse
• Built-in isolated output circuit (not related to ground)
• Selected-parameters violation warning
• Monopulse, Continuous and Train stimulations
• TTL signal allowing for the external control of
• DC Output
• 125/220-50/60Hz power supply

Specifications

How to order 

Related products

• Organ bath for teaching (P) - link
• Organ bath for basic research (P) - link
• Organ bath for advanced research (HS)

The PANLAB Coupler Module ISO510A is an Amplifier for bridge-system designed to work with a wide range of different transducers for evaluating pressure, strength or respiration in various research areas. As an example, the ISO510 model is currently associated with the isometric or isotonic transducers for the study of in vitro tissues preparations using Organ Baths.

The PANLAB ISO510A Amplifier can work in both AC and DC and amplifies signal up to 2.000 times. The Amplifier contains a filter allowing the suppression of the noise produced by electrical or mechanical artefacts associated with the experiment running (for instance, ventilation and heating pump systems in Organ Baths) and then eliminates vibrations that may affect the signal received from the biological preparations. A Transducer Balance option allows a fine adjustment of the signal baseline (“zero”) when the transducer is not excited by the variable to be measured. The ISO510A amplifier also allows the external monitoring of its output signal, for instance to an oscilloscope…

The ISO510A Amplifier is available in two versions: individual Amplifiers accompanied with the corresponding external Power Supply Box or individual Amplifiers integrated into the Power Supply Box.

Key features

• High Gain Differential AC/DC Amplifier
• Includes a filter allowing the suppression of background noise
• A Transducer Balance allows a fine adjustment of the signal baseline
• Allows external monitoring of its output signal

Specifications

How to order 

Isolated organ/issue test & Integrated solutions

For more details about the isolated organ/tissue method, consult the following link

For more details about standard integrated organ bath solutions, consult the “Related Integrated solutions” section of the Isolated organ/tissue test – organ bath webpage – link

Related products

• Transducers (P) – link
• PROTOWIN software (P) - link
• Organ bath for teaching (P) - link
• Organ bath for basic research (P) - link
• Organ bath for advanced research (HS)

Panlab provides complete hardware solutions and associated software for isolated tissues studies from simple, manual systems to automated, computer-controlled systems. 

The mechanical activity of the tissues (muscles) is formed by a displacement (elongation) and a force (contraction). The ratio between elongation and force depends on the properties of the tissue under study: some tissues exhibit a mechanical response with a very large displacement and a reduced force; other tissues produce short but very intense contractions (in terms of strength). Depending on this ratio, the transducer used for performing an organ bath experiment will be isometric or isotonic.

- Isometric transducers

The Panlab Force/Isometric Transducers measures the force of contraction of isolated tissues under conditions of constant force. 

Isometric force transducers are very sensitive to the force applied under conditions contraction with very short amplitude (low displacement). As an example, the Transducers of weight of the electronic scales acts in an isometric way. Generally the isometric technology is also used to measure frequencies; for this reason, the displacement of the sensor of the transducer need to be as slight as possible. Panlab has transducers with a minimum displacement of 0.1 mm for a force application until 25 grams.

Isometric Transducers are classically used in Organ Bath experiments with muscles with short/rapid contractions such as tracheal muscle, atrium, papillary muscle, aortic rings, veins or other vessel rings.

The Transducers are equipped with a special system allowing an easy and rapid fixation of the thread that tightens upper side of the tissue in an organ bath. Panlab provides transducer for various load range, from teaching to standard research systems.

- Isotonic transducers

The Panlab Isotonic Transducer measures displacements with pre-adjusted loads (position transducer).

Isotonic transducers are classically used for measuring the contraction amplitude of isolated muscles in Organ Bath studies, i.e. the changes in tissue length observed under a constant load.

To achieve this capacity, an isotonic transducer must possess a sensor axis which rotates at least 25 degrees. This type of register was the one which was used initially, at the time of the kymographs in such a way that the transducer was configured by a lever, balancing on a pivot.

These transducers are preferably used with smooth muscle preparations characterized by relatively slow contractions (ileum, vas deferens, lung strips, esophagus, urinary bladder, etc.).

Download here the Transducer leaflet – link

Which transducer? The Panlab advice.

Although in principle and from the physiological point of view, the most appropriate for smooth musculature is the isotonic and for heart and striate the isometric, in purity all animal muscle contracts partly isotonically and partly isometrically. Nowadays all the tasks are done with isometric as the response is much more repetitive, the basal line is much more constant, and the relaxation much more rapid. Isotonic transducers are only used in few specific cases

Recommended bibliography:

Kitchen I. Textbook of in vitro practical pharmacology. Blackwell Scientific Publications. Oxford, 1984

Panlab transducer specifications

How to order 

Five pin male connectors for Panlab previous ISO510 amplifier are obsolete but can be provided under specific request.   

Isolated organ/issue test & Integrated solutions

For more details about the isolated organ/tissue method, consult the following link

For more details about standard integrated organ bath solutions, consult the “Related Integrated solutions” section of the Isolated organ/tissue test – organ bath webpage – link

Related products

• Amplifiers (P) – link
• PROTOWIN software (P) - link
• Organ bath for teaching (P) - link
• Organ bath for basic research (P) - link
• Organ bath for advanced research (HS)

Panlab provides complete hardware solutions and associated software for isolated tissues studies from simple, manual systems to automated, computer-controlled systems. 

PROTOWIN is a complete software for monitoring isolated tissue experiments. It represents a very powerful tool saving the user time and effort in the awkward calculations involved in this research area. Its interactive design makes it very easy to use and its extensive features make it an essential tool for teaching and research.

Basically, PROTOWIN software allows the acquisition and analysis of signals generated by the contraction of isolated organ preparations maintained into an Organ Bath and challenged by drugs exposure or electrical stimulation. 

The software can analyze and store signals form up to 4 channels (i.e. from up to 4 tissue preparations) simultaneously or in an independent manner. The analogical signal charts can be viewed on the screen one by one or in sets of four units at a time. Independent adjustment of full scale range, time axis and offset are available for each channel, as well as independent base–maximum plot for each point.

The system facilitates the extraction of data into a spreadsheet for further analysis. Regular data Back-up is automatically performed as a safety measure in case of accidental computer shutdown.

Key features

• Simultaneous or independent start-stop for each channel (tissue)
• Data given separately for up to 16 channels (tissues preparations)
• Simple, intuitive and guided channel calibration and balancing process

How to order

Isolated organ/issue test & Integrated solutions

For more details about the isolated organ/tissue method, consult the following link

For more details about standard integrated organ bath solutions, consult the “Related Integrated solutions” section of the Isolated organ/tissue test – organ bath webpage – link

Related products

• Transducers (P) – link
• Amplifiers (P) – link
• Organ bath for basic research (P) – link

Panlab provides complete hardware solutions and associated software for isolated tissues studies from simple, manual systems to automated, computer-controlled systems. 

The Panlab Compact Organ Baths have been designed and developed to satisfy the requirements of investigators by offering advanced characteristics that render them suitable for the in-vitro study of tissue behavior. Due to their compact design minimum bench space is required.

The modular design allows up to eight individually mounted tissues to be studied simultaneously and independently per system. Several models are available, from one up to eight chambers. All of them are supplied with an external heating control unit, transducer' stands & micropositioners and tissue holders. The main Perspex reservoir houses the heater system, the chambers and coils, all submerged in thermostatically controlled water. Each vessel is filled and emptied by means of a three-way tap (Manual Series) or by electrically-operated valves (Automatic Series) which, besides the possibility of manual activation by means of frontal pushbuttons, can also be remotely controlled by a Timer or Programmer (Software).

All organ baths include tissue holders, transducer holders, micropositioners. The tissue chambers are sold separately.

Panlab can too supply suitable Isometric or Isotonic Force Transducers.

Standard solution for teaching uses the LE120-1 or LE120-2 flat recorders for recording the signals on paper. Optionally, the PANLAB Modular Organ Baths can be associated with transducers, amplifiers and data output software from several brands. 

Cost-saving and straight-to-the-point solution is available as a combination with the Panlab transducers, amplifiers and PROTOWIN software. 

The Panlab organ baths are also the main piece of the ADInstruments organ baths working with the Powerlab and LABChart software systems and proving advanced data report options.

Download here the Panlab Organ bath leaflet – link

Key features

• Compact design thus reducing space requirements to the minimum
• 5, 10, 25 and 50 ml chambers available
• Complete accessibility to all components to facilitate maintenance
• Independent nutrient liquid inputs allowing using different physiological solutions in one same chamber
• All the input-output connections are accessible on the rear panel of the device
• Additional gas outlet (bubbling) to supply oxygen to the preparation into the Petri Capsules
• Two modes for solution replacement: overflow / emptying and filling
• Turbulence-free water circulation
• Use of safety sensors for both water level and water temperature (cut-off at 50 ºC)
• Avoid of thermal inertia using an electronic heating resistance operation control system with incremental gradients
• Available accessories for using continuous perfusion
• Ensures optimal heat stability
• Use of totally inert materials, PTFE, Delrin, Silicone and other materials that are not degraded by acids or salts

How to order

Isolated organ/issue test & Integrated solutions

For more details about the isolated organ/tissue method, consult the following link

For more details about standard integrated organ bath solutions, consult the “Related Integrated solutions” section of the Isolated organ/tissue test – organ bath webpage – link

Related products

• Transducers (P) –link
• Amplifiers (P) – link
• PROTOWIN Software (P) - link
• Organ bath for Teaching (P) - link
• Organ bath for advanced research (H)

METABOLISM software is the last element of the chain of components of the Panlab OXYLET,FOOD and DRINK and PHYSIOCAGE systems. METABOLISM allows the extraction of the data obtained from these Panlab devices as well as the calculation of important parameters for physiological studies. A combined evaluation of the respiration metabolism, food/drink intake, spontaneous activity and rearing is then rendered possible by the use of this very simple and easy-to-use software.

METABOLISM consists in different modules, activated upon customer request:

• METAOXY -> for O2/CO2 metabolism studies (Including Treadmill based studies).
• METAINT -> for Intake studies
• METAACT -> for activity studies (Including Rearing)

The program gets data in digital form from the Panlab devices. METABOLISM can also import and convert analogical data from the *.txt files generated by Data Acquisition Systems (PowerLab® recommended). 

Gathered data can be processed and re-processed using different time intervals of calculation. The program displays a Data Table which can be saved in Excel format for further analyses.