Calcium FluxAn alteration in intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) is one of the most rapid cellular responses to a variety of stimuli, yet obtaining accurate data on the dynamics of intracellular calcium is a major challenge for research in this field. Specialized liquid handling and fluorescence microplate reading systems have been used to examine bulk population behavior of cells during investigations of the rapid responses of intracellular Ca2+ to various stimuli in vitro. According to authors, A. Vines, A. Blanco Fernández and G. McBean from University College Dublin, a flow cytometer, such as the Accuri C6, that operates with an open, as opposed to a pressurized, fluidics system allowed addition of test compounds, to study the effects of modulators on Ca2+ in mixed populations, with continuous recording, providing a method for highly accurate, dynamic calcium measurements. With conventional flow cytometry, the run has to be halted, the sample tube opened and agonist added, then the tube resealed to recommence data acquisition, which adds a gap, or blind spot, in the data. A major advantage of the Accuri C6 is that continuous monitoring of thousands of cells is possible, providing a method for highly accurate dynamic Ca2+ measurements of the entire population. Resources: 
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