Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the inhibition of reperfusion injury by treatment with Grammastola spatulata mechanotoxin4 (GsMTx4). The GsMTx4 may be delivered to the ischemic tissue in an individual by any means prior to, during or after ischemia reperfusion injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting calcium permeable cation conductance of red blood cells from individuals afflicted with sickle cell anemia. The method comprises exposing the cells to the peptide GsMTx4 and/or variants thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring changes in cell volume generally includes introducing cells into a chamber having a volume between 2 and 100 times the volume of the introduced cell. A first electrically conductive extracellular fluid is introduced into the chamber and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first fluid is exchanged with a second electrically conductive extracellular fluid and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first induced voltage result and the second induced voltage result are used in conjunction with known voltages induced by such current flows to monitor changes in the volume corresponding to fluid flow between the cell and an extracellular fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting calcium permeable cation conductance of red blood cells from individuals afflicted with sickle cell anemia. The method comprises exposing the cells to the peptide GsMTx4 and/or variants thereof.

Abstract: A medical device for the delivery of fluids into or through the wall of a biological space or conduit is described. The medical device comprises one or more actuators, which may exist in a constrained configuration which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device or an unconstrained configuration in which at least a portion of the one or more actuators is oriented substantially non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. The device further comprises tissue penetrators, which may be attached to the actuators or contained within the actuators. Upon positioning of the device at the target treatment site within a biological space or conduit, the operator may release the actuators from their constrained position, allowing the actuators to adopt their unconstrained position and make contact with an adjacent wall of a biological space or conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring changes in cell volume generally includes introducing cells into a chamber having a volume between 2 and 100 times the volume of the introduced cell. A first electrically conductive extracellular fluid is introduced into the chamber and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first fluid is exchanged with a second electrically conductive extracellular fluid and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first induced voltage result and the second induced voltage result are used in conjunction with known voltages induced by such current flows to monitor changes in the volume corresponding to fluid flow between the cell and an extracellular fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring changes in cell volume generally includes introducing cells into a chamber having a volume between 2 and 100 times the volume of the introduced cell. A first electrically conductive extracellular fluid is introduced into the chamber and a current is applied. The current flow is measured. The first fluid is exchanged with a second electrically conductive extracellular fluid and a current is applied. The current flow is measured. The first current flow result and the second current flow result are used in conjunction with known current flows to monitor changes in the volume corresponding to fluid flow between the cell and an extracellular fluid.