A cell potential measurement apparatus, which uses a planar electrode
enabling a multi-point simultaneous measurement of potential change
arising from cell activities, is provided which can conduct measurements
accurately and efficiently as well as can improve convenience of
arranging measurement results. According to the configuration of the cell
potential measurement apparatus of this invention, it includes an
integrated cell holding instrument, which includes a planar electrode
provided with a plurality of microelectrodes arranged in a matrix form on
the surface of a substrate, a cell holding part for placing cells
thereon, drawer patterns from the microelectrodes, and electric contact
points for outside connections; an optical observation means for optical
observations of cells; a stimulation signal supply means to be connected
to the cell holding instrument for providing electric stimulation to the
cells; and a signal processing means to be connected to the cell holding
instrument for processing an output signal arising from electric
physiological activities of the cells. It is preferable that a cell
culturing means is also provided for maintaining a culture atmosphere of
the cells placed on the integrated cell holding instrument.