Direct measurement of intracellular pressure

Abstract

A method to directly measure the intracellular pressure of adherent, migrating cells is described in this unit. This approach is based on the servo-null method where a microelectrode is introduced into the cell to directly measure the physical pressure of the cytoplasm. We also describe the initial calibration of the microelectrode, as well as the application of the method to cells migrating inside three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix (ECM).

Keywords: extracellular matrix; fibroblasts; intracellular pressure; motility.