Design Of Control Module In Fluorescent Microscopy System For Measuring [Ca2+)]_i

Calcium ions, which act as a second messenger of cellular signal transmission, play an important role on the physiological regulation of cells. Therefore, it is important to measure intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) real-time, quantitatively and accurately for investigating physiological regulation of Ca²⁺. There are two techniques for measuring [Ca²⁺]_i, including optical techniques and nonoptical techniques. The most popular measurement for nonoptical techniques is electrophysiology. In optical techniques, intracellular Ca²⁺ is labeled by fluorescent indicator, and then the fluorescence intensity of the combined fluorescent indicator is detected by fluorescent detection system to calculate [Ca²⁺]_i indirectly. Fluorescent detection system based on fluorescence microscopy techniques and fluorescence indicator method becomes the most popular detection method because of its high sensitivity, low toxicity and simplicity of operation.While there were several measurement systems for measuring [Ca²⁺]_i developed by foreign company, Institute of Biophysics and Biochemistry in Huazhong University of Science and Technology has been developing a fluorescent detection system since few years ago. And the major works in this thesis are to design an application program for the control module of this system, thereby to provide a friendly man-computer interface to users.In this thesis, the design process of control module in fluorescent microscopy system for detecting [Ca²⁺]_i was described. At first, the fluorescence microscopy detection system components and working principle were briefly explained,which was emphasized on the process of designing application programming interface for some control modules of Fluorescent Microscopy System, including MLS-1 monochromatic light source and UDA2 data acquisition systems. Secondly, the design ideas of the software based on object-oriented for measuring concentration of calcium ions were explained. Thirdly, the causes of communication failure between computer and USB peripherals were analyzed, and the solution for communication failure was discussed. Finally, the author summarized this project and brought our ideas on the prospect of this project.