Built for confocal imaging
Designed for laser scanning confocal microscopy, fluorescence and other high-magnification imaging systems.
Imaging Pressure Myograph System – 120CP
Pressure myography with high-resolution optical access for small-vessel imaging
The DMT 120CP is an imaging pressure myograph designed for laser scanning confocal microscopy and other high-magnification imaging workflows. It enables studies of small isolated arteries, veins and other vessels under near-physiological pressure while supporting intracellular imaging, vessel-wall tracking, longitudinal force measurement and standard pressure myography.
Vessels >40 µm
Small-vessel pressure and imaging studies.
100 µm access
Supports compatible objectives with very short working distance.
Pressure + force
Pressure, longitudinal force and temperature acquisition.
Confocal and high-magnification imaging
Why choose 120CP
Designed for pressure myography when imaging access is central to the experiment
The 120CP combines controlled intravascular pressure with precise vessel positioning and close optical access for advanced microscopy of intact pressurized vessels. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Low working-distance access
The chamber accommodates compatible objective working distances as low as approximately 100 µm.
Low-volume chamber
A minimum volume of 6.5 mL helps limit the use of costly dyes, probes, antibodies and pharmacological compounds.
Precise XYZ alignment
Angled mounting supports and Z-axis manipulation position the vessel directly above or on the optical chamber window.
Pressure, force and temperature
Acquire inlet pressure, outlet pressure, longitudinal force and temperature using the digital or analogue data pathway.
Accessible chamber design
The hinged upper section can be lifted to simplify vessel mounting, chamber access and cleaning after staining workflows.
System overview
Pressurized vessel studies with close optical access
The 120CP is intended for imaging studies where intracellular processes in vascular smooth muscle or endothelial cells must be investigated in an intact, cannulated and pressurized vessel.
Its conical open-bath geometry supports high numerical-aperture objectives on inverted microscopes and direct-immersion lenses on compatible upright imaging systems. The same chamber can also be used for conventional pressure-myograph studies.
Small vessels
Study isolated arteries, veins and other vessels above 40 µm.
Intracellular imaging
Relevant for calcium, ions, fluorescent probes, tags, proteins
and vessel-wall tracking.
Pressure-gradient control
Control intravascular pressure and the pressure gradient along
the mounted vessel.
Longitudinal force
Measure axial force and normalize vessel stretch during the
pressure-myograph workflow.
Acid-resistant chamber
Stainless-steel construction supports cleaning after
fluorescence, dye or antibody protocols.
Imaging-optimized chamber
Conical open-bath design for high-magnification microscopy
The 120CP chamber is designed to bring the mounted vessel close to the optical window and objective while maintaining pressure, temperature and longitudinal force control.
Chamber geometry
Open, conical bath supporting close access for high numerical-aperture lenses.
Vessel positioning
X, Y and Z alignment with angled mounting supports.
Working distance
Compatible microscope configurations can operate down to approximately 100 µm.
Chamber access
Ports support superfusion, rapid filling and draining, and gas bubbling.
Mounting and cleaning
The upper chamber structure lifts for practical vessel mounting and maintenance.
Research applications
Imaging-based vascular function in intact pressurized vessels
The 120CP is relevant when functional pressure-myograph conditions must be connected directly with optical endpoints in smooth muscle, endothelial cells or the vessel wall.
01
Calcium and intracellular ion imaging
Study intracellular ion concentrations in vascular smooth muscle or endothelial cells of intact pressurized vessels.
02
Fluorescent probe tracking
Track probes, tags, proteins or cellular behavior while controlling intravascular pressure.
03
Isobaric constriction
Evaluate vascular contraction and relaxation while the vessel remains under controlled pressure.
04
Vessel-wall and cell tracking
Follow structural, cellular or fluorescence changes in the pressurized vessel wall during the protocol.
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Standard pressure myography
Use the chamber for conventional pressure, diameter, pharmacology and myogenic-response workflows where optical access remains useful.
Selected scientific publications
120CP in peer-reviewed research
Selected studies that explicitly report use of the DMT 120CP for pressure myography, endothelial function and imaging-based vascular research.
Spreading dilatation to luminal perfusion of ATP and UTP in rat isolated small mesenteric arteries
Isolated arteries were cannulated in a heated DMT 120CP chamber to investigate conducted vasodilatation during luminal ATP and UTP perfusion.
View publicationDesensitization of endothelial P2Y1 receptors by PKC-dependent mechanisms in pressurized rat small mesenteric arteries
The study explicitly reports use of a DMT 120CP pressure-myograph bath to examine endothelial P2Y1 receptor signaling and desensitization in intact pressurized resistance arteries.
View publicationβ1-Adrenoceptor stimulation suppresses endothelial IKCa-channel hyperpolarization and associated dilatation in resistance arteries
Cannulated arteries were studied in a DMT 120CP chamber to investigate how β1-adrenoceptor stimulation modifies endothelial hyperpolarization and vasodilatation.
View publicationTRPM4 inhibitor 9-phenanthrol activates endothelial cell intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in rat isolated mesenteric artery
Rat mesenteric arteries were mounted in a temperature-regulated DMT 120CP chamber to study endothelial potassium-channel activity and vasodilator responses.
View publicationPTPRG is an ischemia risk locus essential for HCO3−-dependent regulation of endothelial function and tissue perfusion
Arteries were mounted in a DMT 120CP pressure myograph for endothelial Ca²⁺ measurements, directly linking pressurized-vessel physiology with an intracellular imaging endpoint.
View publication
Publications are provided as examples of peer-reviewed research in which
the DMT 120CP was explicitly reported. Inclusion does not imply endorsement
of the authors, institutions, conclusions or experimental methods by DMT.
System components
Chamber, cannula positioning and pressure interface
The 120CP workflow combines an imaging-optimized chamber, precise mounting controls and the DMT Pressure Interface for pressure, heating, calibration and acquisition.
120CP chamber
Low-volume, acid-resistant chamber for cannulated vessels, controlled pressure, longitudinal force and high-resolution optical access.
Cannula and optical alignment
Angled mounting supports position the pressurized vessel directly above the chamber window and microscope objective.
Pressure Interface
Interface supporting heated reservoir function, pressure control, chamber heating, calibration procedures, touch-screen operation and data communication.
Imaging workflow
Connect pressure control with the microscopy endpoint
A reliable 120CP workflow requires compatibility between the vessel, chamber, cannulas, microscope, objective, imaging pathway and data acquisition setup.
Mount the vessel
Cannulate and secure the isolated vessel while avoiding air, twisting and unnecessary tissue damage.
Align with the objective
Use X, Y and Z controls to position the vessel directly above or on the optical window.
Control pressure and stretch
Establish pressure, pressure gradient, temperature and vessel stretch for the selected protocol.
Acquire imaging and function
Record the microscopy endpoint together with pressure, force, temperature and vessel-dimension data.
MyoVIEW and acquisition
Stream pressure-myograph parameters alongside the imaging experiment
The 120CP can communicate directly with MyoVIEW through the USB pathway or provide analogue outputs for connection to compatible external acquisition equipment.
Pressure channels
Acquire inlet and outlet pressure throughout the protocol.
Longitudinal force
Record axial force and support normalization of vessel stretch.
Temperature
Record chamber or probe temperature with the functional data.
Vessel dimensions
Use the MyoVIEW pathway for vessel-wall thickness, diameter
and related pressure-myograph parameters.
External acquisition
Four analogue output channels support compatible external
recording systems.
Technical data
Key 120CP specifications
Core chamber, imaging, pressure, force, temperature and communication specifications for evaluating the 120CP.
Microscope geometry, objective working distance, vessel and
cannula dimensions, pressure-circuit setup, MyoVIEW requirements
and optional flow measurement should be confirmed before
quotation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Chamber
- Number of chambers
- 1
- Minimum chamber volume
- 6.5 mL
- Chamber material
- Acid-resistant stainless steel
- Vessel size
- >40 µm
- Vessel alignment
- X, Y and Z
- Micrometer resolution
- 0.01 mm
- Mounting type
- Cannulas
Imaging access
- Chamber geometry
- Conical open bath
- Objective working distance
- Down to approximately 100 µm
- Microscope direction
- Confocal and high-magnification imaging
Temperature
- Temperature range
- 15.0–50.0 °C
- Resolution
- 0.1 °C
- Stability
- ±0.2 °C
- Integrated heating
- Yes
Longitudinal force
- Output reading
- mN
- Force range
- ±200 mN
- Force resolution
- 0.01 mN
- Force calibration
- Yes
Pressure
- Output reading
- mmHg
- Pressure range
- 0–250 mmHg
- Pressure stability
- ±0.5 mmHg
- Pressure resolution
- 0.1 mmHg
Reservoir
- Heating
- Yes
- Capacity
- 250 mL
- Pressure circuit
- Closed
- Air inlet
- 1 bar maximum
Output
- Data communication
- USB 2.0
- Analogue output channels
- 4
- Analogue output range
- ±2.5 V
Configuration guidance
Plan the complete imaging pressure-myography setup
The correct configuration depends on the microscope platform, objective geometry, vessel and cannula size, imaging method, pressure circuit, acquisition pathway and whether flow measurement is required.
Microscope and objective
Confirm microscope model, inverted or compatible upright configuration, numerical aperture, objective diameter, working distance, immersion method and available stage space.
Core laboratory equipment
Typical workflows include a computer package, vacuum package, open heating bath or circulator, dissection stereo microscope, cold light source, dissection tools and suitable glass cannulas.
Flow, installation and support
Common additions include FlowMeter – 162FM, an installation kit, gas-supply manifold, peristaltic pump, spare pressure transducers, training and service coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the 120CP
What is the Imaging Pressure Myograph System 120CP used for?
The 120CP is designed to study small blood vessels under physiological pressure while performing high-resolution imaging. It combines pressure myography with confocal and fluorescence microscopy, allowing researchers to investigate vascular function and intracellular processes in intact pressurized vessels.
What types of blood vessels can be studied with the 120CP?
The 120CP is designed for small arteries, veins, and other vessels larger than 40 µm in diameter. Its imaging-optimized chamber preserves the vessel's natural structure while providing excellent optical access for advanced microscopy techniques.
What measurements can the Imaging Pressure Myograph System 120CP perform?
The system measures vessel diameter, wall thickness, intravascular pressure, myogenic responses, vascular reactivity, and longitudinal force while supporting live vessel tracking through MyoVIEW. It also enables simultaneous imaging of cellular and molecular events within the vessel wall.
Can the 120CP be used for calcium imaging and fluorescence microscopy?
Yes. The 120CP is specifically designed for confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, fluorescence imaging, intracellular ion measurements, and fluorescent probe studies while maintaining vessels under controlled physiological pressure.
Why choose the 120CP over a standard Pressure Myograph?
The 120CP is the ideal choice when high-resolution imaging is central to your experiment. Its imaging-optimized chamber, precise XYZ vessel alignment, and compatibility with low working-distance objectives make it possible to combine pressure myography with advanced fluorescence and confocal imaging techniques.
What research applications is the 120CP best suited for?
The 120CP is widely used in vascular biology, endothelial function, calcium signaling, intracellular ion imaging, vascular remodeling, fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, and cardiovascular research where functional measurements and cellular imaging need to be performed simultaneously.
What's the difference between the 120CP and the 114P Pressure Myograph?
The 114P is designed for standard pressure myography, focusing on vessel function, diameter, and vascular reactivity. The 120CP adds high-resolution optical access for confocal and fluorescence microscopy, making it the preferred system when researchers need to visualize intracellular events while measuring vascular function.
Is the Imaging Pressure Myograph System 120CP the right system for my research?
The 120CP is the best choice if your research combines pressure myography with confocal microscopy, fluorescence imaging, calcium signaling, or other high-resolution imaging techniques. If your experiments focus on pressure myography alone without advanced imaging, the 114P provides the core functionality needed for standard vascular physiology studies.
Resources
120CP documentation and supporting resources
Use the official DMT documents and related pages when evaluating, configuring, installing or operating the 120CP.
120CP product data sheet
Current product overview, applications, specifications and configuration guidance.
→120CP user manual
Detailed system setup, interface, pressure circuit and calibration documentation.
→120CP user guide
Practical reference for daily system operation and workflow setup.
→MyoVIEW software
Live vessel tracking and analysis for DMT pressure-myograph systems.
→Pressure myograph systems
Review the complete DMT pressure-myograph product family.
→Pressure comparison chart
Compare imaging, pressure, flow, force and vessel-size capabilities.
→FlowMeter – 162FM
Add ultra-low-flow measurement to compatible pressure-myograph workflows.
→Training and installation
Plan setup, cannulation, pressure calibration and user onboarding.
→
Configuration guidance
Planning an imaging pressure-myography study?
Share the vessel type and diameter, microscope model, objective magnification and working distance, imaging method, pressure and longitudinal-force requirements, flow needs, cannula preference and acquisition pathway. DMT can help define the appropriate 120CP configuration.