Microsample treatment apparatus

1. A method for detecting chemotaxis of cells using a chemotactic detecting apparatus which comprises i) a first well and a second well which are connected to each other via a channel, ii) one or more tubes for injecting/sucking a sample which are provided for said first and second wells and iii) a space in common at the top ends of said tubes in which a liquid is held to maintain said liquid in said wells and said channel under a definite pressure, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) filling up the whole apparatus with said liquid not affecting cells and chemoattractants;

(b) injecting a cell suspension at said first well through said tube;

(c) sucking an appropriate amount of said liquid through said tube of said second well located oppositely across the channel to adjust the position of the cells in said first well;

(d) returning the level of said liquid to the original position by injecting said liquid;

(e) injecting a chemotactic factor at said second well through said tube; and

(f) detecting cells passing by own actions through said channel.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemotactic detecting apparatus has a plurality of first wells.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemotactic detecting apparatus has a plurality of second wells.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel has a width or depth in accordance with a diameter or deformability of cells.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a depth of the channel is from 3 to 50 μm.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein a width of the channel is from 3 to 10 μm.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a width of the channel is from 8 to 20 μm.