Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for microscale pharmacokinetics. Various organs and their interactions with drug compounds can be simulated in vitro by use of microscale compartments that can be interconnected by microscale channels. Cells or cellular materials associated with the organs can be cultured in such compartments to allow interactions with drug compounds in one or more fluidic flows. Such fluidic systems can include, by way of examples, gastrointestinal flow, blood flow, bile flow, urinary flow, and brain fluid flow. Interactions between fluidic systems can be simulated by a microscale permeable member. In one example, blood-biliary interaction can be simulated by a microscale permeable material having hepatocytes bound to a permeable substrate via a binder.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for microscale pharmacokinetics. Various organs and their interactions with drug compounds can be simulated in vitro by use of microscale compartments that can be interconnected by microscale channels. Cells or cellular materials associated with the organs can be cultured in such compartments to allow interactions with drug compounds in one or more fluidic flows. Such fluidic systems can include, by way of examples, gastrointestinal flow, blood flow, bile flow, urinary flow, and brain fluid flow. Interactions between fluidic systems can be simulated by a microscale permeable member. In one example, blood-biliary interaction can be simulated by a microscale permeable material having hepatocytes bound to a permeable substrate via a binder.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: In vitro culture devices and methods are described. The subject methods and devices provide a means whereby cells and/or subcellular material are grown or held in a culture device that maintains the cells and/or subcellular material in a physiologically representative environment, thereby improving the predictive value of toxicity and metabolism assays, and the relevance of experimental results derived from such assays to actual in vivo conditions, processes and outcomes. The culture devices of the invention comprise a fluidic channel connected to or otherwise integrated with at least one chamber, preferably integrated in a chip format. The specific chamber geometry is designed to provide cellular interactions, liquid flow, and liquid residence and other parameter values that correlate with those found in or produced by the corresponding cell, organs or tissues, or components or products thereof, in vivo.

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase and nitric-oxide-related bioactivity are shown to be necessary and sufficient for activation of an oocyte during the process of fertilization. Methods are provided for the modulation of oocyte activation through modulation of nitric oxide levels. Oocyte activation is enhanced by the addition of nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide synthase activators, nitric oxide donors, or other compounds that increase the nitric oxide levels of the oocyte during fertilization. The administration of NOS inhibitors is used to block oocyte activation, where contraception is desired.

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase and nitric-oxide-related bioactivity are shown to be necessary and sufficient for activation of an oocyte during the process of fertilization. Methods are provided for the modulation of oocyte activation through modulation of nitric oxide levels. Oocyte activation is enhanced by the addition of nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide synthase activators, nitric oxide donors, or other compounds that increase the nitric oxide levels of the oocyte during fertilization. The administration of NOS inhibitors is used to block oocyte activation, where contraception is desired.