Cellular Respirometry is a research tool for analyzing the metabolic rate of many microorganisms, cells, or isolated mitochondria by analyzing their oxygen consumption in the presence of nutritive substrates or selective inhibitors.

The CCR is highly equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for assessing mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism. The Seahorse Instruments can accommodate up to 4 reagent injections, allowing the user to choose from several standard or custom protocols. There is no limit to the number of injections allowed on the Oroboros instrument, though standard protocols consist of up to 15 sequential injections of permeabilizing agents, metabolic substrates, and inhibitors to interrogate major metabolic pathways. The Oroboros system can measure mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM) and H2O2 production (AmplexUltraRed) using the Oroboros O2k Fluorometric sensors simultaneous to respirometry. Currently, the prospective core’s 6 instruments can accommodate 12 separate calendar slots during a single eight-hour day, including experiment setup, run, and cleanup. If prospective core users are interested in PBMC and platelet profiling, whole blood must be provided for isolation.

The CCR is located in the Nutrition Research Building Rm 140. The lab space is equipped with a Non-CO2 incubator, water bath, multiple cell counters, a microscope and camera, and other necessary tools for cell plating and culturing for Seahorse and Oroboros assays. A cell culture room is available for limited use across the hall for Core users, as is a -80 Freezer room. 

Core Equipment List

  • Seahorse XFe96
  • Seahorse XFe24
  • Oroboros O2K #1
  • Oroboros O2K #2
  • Oroboros O2K #3
  • Oroboros O2K #4

Core Services Offered

  • PBMC isolation
  • Data Analysis
  • Technician Time (for custom requests)