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To characterize modes of action of substances as well as their cytotoxic effects Bionas GmbH has developed a new screening system to allow the continuous recording of how an active substance can act (Bionas® 2500 analyzing system). In the pharmaceutical and chemical industry as well as in environmental science it is important to acquire as much information as possible about the metabolic effects of an active substance or there cytotoxicity. With the Bionas® 2500 analyzing system metabolically relevant data including oxygen consumption, acidification rate and the adhesion (cell impedance) of cells can be measured in parallel, on-line and label-free. Using e.g. ion-sensitive field effect-transistors (ISFET) and electrode structures it is possible to observe metabolic parameters non-invasively and continuously over longer periods of time. The system has already been established for several cell models, cell lines as well as primary cells. The strength of our system can be found in the continuous data collection during the whole application period. Dynamic, reversible and / or regenerative processes can be observed in one and the same culture. Adaptation effects through repeated addition of compounds can also be observed. A long application period (hours to days) allows more realistic compound concentrations as it is possible in short-term experiments. This advantages result in a higher information content compared to end-point-methods. It also offers the advantage that regenerative effects can be observed during the same test run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A definition of the term "receptor tyrosine kinases," as used in cancer terminology, is presented. It refers to transmembrane glycoproteins that represent key components of signaling pathways which control cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. Dysregulation often results in neoplastic growth or developmental abnormalities.

An entry for "lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage" and "adenylate kinase (AK) leakage" is presented. They are proteins released from the cytosol into the cell culture medium upon cell damage. LDH and AK are enzymes responsible for normal cell metabolism. The enzymes in the cell culture serves as indicators of cytotoxicity.

The article presents an encyclopedia entry for adenylic acid-activated kinase (AMPk). It refers to a multi-subunit enzyme, that plays a major role in metabolic regulation of cells. It induces glucose uptake in skeletal muscles, expression of cAMP-stimulated gluconeogenic genes and expression of muscle hexokinase and glucose transporters.