Methods
In order to investigate sepsis and HUS, the working group employs a variety of different in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems and techniques:
In vitro analyses
Cell culture models are used for the initial testing of pharmacological intervention approaches. The tests are carried out in tissue-specific immortalized cell lines or primary cells (i.e. cardiomyocytes).
In addition to a simple morphological assessment of the cells, the potential effect of the various intervention approaches is analyzed with regard to specific markers for cell function and cell damage by use of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) system as well as by means of ELISA, immunoblotting and/or gene expression analyses.
(Real-time analysis of the behavior of cells in culture)
(alpha-actin staining)
(alpha-actin staining)
Ex vivo and in vivo analyses of the cardiovascular system
A methodical focus of the group is the evaluation of the cardiovascular function and the influence of pharmacological interventions on cardiomyopathy caused by infectious diseases. The characterization of cardiac function is performed by means of technically and methodically highly complex state-of-the-art techniques such as the isolated-perfused heart (Langendorff), echocardiography or the functional analysis by means of Millar pressure–volume loop catheter.
