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Enzyme kinetic reactions and fluorochrome uptake rates measured in individual cells by laser scanning cytometry.

This study was designed to explore the utility of a microscope-based cytofluorometer, the laser scanning cytometer (LSC), for time-resolved kinetic measurements. This instrument measures fluorescence of individual cells rapidly, with high sensitivity and accuracy. Also recorded in a list mode fashion are the spatial X-Y coordinates of the cell on the slide as well as the time of individual cell measurement. Repeated measurement of each of a group of cells within a selected area of the slide, thus, yields information on their fluorescence parameters (integrated value, maximal pixel intensity, or fluorescence area) as a function of time. Using the fluorogenic substrate di-(leucyl)-rhodamine 110, we measured the kinetic activity of L-aminopeptidase in HL-60 cells and in monocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes from human blood. Likewise, the rate of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis by esterases was measured in HL-60 cells. Also studied was the rate of uptake of the lysosomo-trophic fluorochrome acridine orange (AO) by human leukocytes. Several hundred cells per sample were measured rapidly with a time resolution of 20-60 s. The resolution was inversely proportional to the number of cells within the measured population. The kinetic curves constructed for individual cells had clearly defined slope and plateau regions. During data analysis the kinetic plots were matched with the respective cells; the latter were identified by their position on the slide and classified by their fluorescence or image after staining with Giemsa. Great intercellular variability was noted in enzyme kinetics among cells of the same type, and differences were seen in rate of AO uptake between granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Fluorescence fading and recovery was observed especially in the case of FDA hydrolysis and AO uptake. Our results indicate that LSC can be used to rapidly measure the rate of uptake or accumulation of a particular fluorochrome or the kinetics of enzymatic reactions in individual cells of large populations to reveal intercellular variability or the presence of a cell subpopulation with different kinetic properties.

Acridine Orange↗

Development of a stereological method to measure levels of fluoropyrimidine metabolizing enzymes in tumor sections using laser scanning cytometry.

BACKGROUND: The enzymes thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) influence the activities of fluoropyrimidine anticancer drugs. The sensitivity of cancer cells to capecitabine, which is an oral, tumor-selective pre-prodrug of 5-fluorouracil may correlate better to the TP/DPD ratio than to levels of either enzyme alone. Our goal was to develop a quantitative immunofluorescent method for estimating the levels of TP, DPD, and their ratio in archival tumor sections. METHODS: Mouse anti-TP and rat anti-DPD monoclonal antibodies were used for parallel indirect immunofluorescent staining. The fluorescence was measured using a laser scanning cytometer (LSC; CompuCyte, Cambridge, MA) in single cells and in sections prepared from cell lines and a human tumor. The phantom contouring feature of the LSC provided a stereologic approach for collecting the fluorescence intensity data from sections. RESULTS: The relative fluorescence intensities measured in single cells or in sections of the cell lines, using single or double labeling, were similar, supporting the suitability of phantom contouring and two-color staining. Sections of the T-24 and ZR-75-1 cell lines placed on the same slide as the tumor section were used as internal standards for fluorescence measurements. The TP/DPD ratios measured in three cell lines correlated well with the cytotoxicity of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine measured in vitro, indicating that the measurements are related to the biological activity of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: Plotting the data as contour maps of the topologic distribution of fluorescence intensities in tumor sections allows subsequent histopathologic examination, which may reveal features of the tumors leading to high or low ratios of these enzymes. In addition, this method can be used for any drug target/metabolic system where the key components are known and suitable antibodies are available.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Assessment of a new technique combining a viability test, whole-cell hybridization and laser-scanning cytometry for the direct counting of viable Enterobacteriaceae cells in drinking water.

A new direct approach, called direct viable count (DVC)-FISH-ScanRDI, combining viability measurement, specific detection and sensitive enumeration of highly diluted Enterobacteriaceae cells, was assessed during the summer in water samples from a North American drinking water treatment plant and its distribution system. Major results of this field investigation show a higher sensitivity of the DVC-FISH-ScanRDI approach in enumerating viable Enterobacteriaceae cells in distributed drinking water, relative to a culture-based method, and the increased concentration of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Enterobacteriaceae cells in distributed water for temperatures above 18 degrees C.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Simultaneous analysis of steady-state intracellular pH and cell morphology by automated laser scanning cytometry.

BACKGROUND: Cytosolic pH (pHi) changes are critical in cellular response to diverse stimuli, including cell survival and death signaling. The potential drawback in flow-based analysis is the inability to simultaneously visualize the cells during pHi measurements. Here, the suitability of laser scanning cytometer (LSC) in pHi measurement was investigated. AIM: Using the two extensively reported pH-sensitive fluorescent probes, 2,7-bis(2-Carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM) and 5-(and-6)-carboxy SNARF-1 acetoxymethyl ester, we evaluated the potential of automated LSC as a platform for simultaneous determination of pHi and cell morphology. The effect of a variety of buffer systems-commonly employed for pHi measurements-on cell morphology before pH clamping with the ionophore, nigericin, was also assessed. METHODS: Measurement of cytosolic pH was performed using pH-sensitive fluorescent probes BCECF-AM and SNARF-1. pH clamping was carried out using nigericin and samples were analyzed on the LSC or CyAn ADP Flow Cytometer. RESULTS: The pHi clamping conditions were optimized as 140 mM potassium and 10 microM nigericin. The suitable buffers used for pH clamping: 140 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2, 2 mM CaCl(2).2H2O, 5 mM glucose, 20 mM MES and 140 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2, 2 mM CaCl(2).2H2O, 5 mM glucose, and 20 mM Tris. Results obtained with the LSC strongly correlated with those obtained by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: We report here that LSC is an excellent and highly reproducible platform for pHi determination, and provides the added advantage of simultaneous imaging of cells before, during, and after pH measurements.

Benzopyrans↗

Programmed cell death of peripheral blood B cells determined by laser scanning cytometry in Sjögren's syndrome with a special emphasis on BAFF.

Functionally impaired B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis susceptibility of peripheral blood B cells from patients with SS and the impact of B cell activating factor (BAFF) on the apoptosis capability of these cells in correlation with IgG production. Peripheral blood B cells were isolated and stained for apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl-2) and members of the TNF-R superfamily, CD95 and CD40. The apoptosis frequency of cells bearing these markers were assessed. Also, the apoptosis capability of cultured B-lymphocytes was investigated in medium alone, with anti-CD95 or with soluble BAFF. Quantitative ELISA was performed to detect plasma levels of sBAFF. Furthermore, the level of circulating B-cell cytokines was measured. BAFF levels were compared between patients with normal and elevated IgG levels. In SS, Bcl-2 positive B cell counts were significantly higher then in controls, also in this population the apoptosis frequency was reduced. Apoptosis within Bax+ and CD40+ B cells were significantly decreased in patients. BAFF induced a significant antiapoptotic effect in SS; also this effect was clearly evident in B cells from SS with hypergammaglobulinaemia. Plasma BAFF levels were significantly higher in SS, mostly in patients with hypergammaglobulinaemia. Plasma B-cell cytokines were raised in SS. In Sjögren's syndrome B cells, a general antiapoptotic tendency might lead to prolonged B-cell survival driven at least partly by elevated levels of BAFF and supposedly by B-cell cytokines. Also, the exaggerated BAFF stimulation might lead to excessive immunoglobulin production. The B-cell apoptosis defects, the increased BAFF levels-correlating with hypergammaglobulinaemia-together with the raised B-cell cytokine levels indicates the disturbed B-cell biology in the disease.

Adult↗

Laser scanning cytometry distinguishes lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes by differences in their chromatin structure.

By providing rapid measurements of cellular fluorescence in addition to morphometric analysis, the novel microscope-based multiparameter laser scanning cytometer (LSC) combines advantages of flow and image cytometry. Analysis of the integrated fluorescence intensity (IF) versus peak fluorescence intensity (maximal fluorescence per pixel; FP) versus fluorescence area (FA) of the cells stained with the DNA intercalating fluorochrome propidium iodide (PI) made it possible to discriminate lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes in samples of peripheral blood of normal individuals. Lymphocytes, characterized by maximally condensed chromatin, had the highest FP and lowest values of FA. Granulocytes had the lowest FP and the highest FA. They also had increased IF compared to lymphocytes and monocytes. The difference in IF between granulocytes and monocytes/lymphocytes was abolished after exposure of cells to 0.1 M HCl at 0-4 degrees C, which is known to dissociate histones from DNA in chromatin. Monocytes were characterized by intermediate values of peak and area fluorescence intensity compared to lymphocytes and granulocytes. Thus, although all three classes of white blood cells have the same DNA content, they can be distinguished based on differences in structure of their chromatin after staining with PI. Discrimination of these cells by LSC is similar to that provided by flow cytometry based on differences in forward and side light scatter properties.

Cell Separation↗

Analysis of apoptotic cells by flow and laser scanning cytometry.

A large number of flow cytometric methods to identify apoptotic cells and analyze morphological, biochemical, and molecular changes that occur during apoptosis have been developed. These methods are also applicable to the laser scanning cytometer (LSC), a microscope-based cytofluorometer that combines advantages of flow and image cytometry and that, by offering a possibility of assessment of cell morphology, is of particular utility in analysis of apoptosis. Apoptosis-related changes in cell morphology associated with cell shrinkage and condensation of cytoplasm and chromatin are detected by measurements of the intensity of light scatter of the laser beam in the forward and 90 degrees angle directions. Changes in plasma membrane composition and function are analyzed by its altered permeability to certain dyes and by the appearance of phosphatidylserine, which reacts with annexin V-fluorochrome conjugates on the external surface of the membrane. Decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential is measured with several fluorochromes of the rhodamine or carbocyanine family. DNA fragmentation is detected either by measurement of cellular DNA content after elution of the degraded DNA from the cell before or during the staining procedure or by in situ labeling DNA strand breaks. Apoptotic cells are then recognized either on the basis of their reduced DNA-associated fluorescence as the cells with fractional DNA content ("sub-G1 cells"), or as the cells with an extensive number of DNA breaks, respectively. Advantages and limitations of the preceding methods are discussed and their adaptation to LSC is presented.

Annexin A5↗

Laser scanning cytometry (LCS) allows detailed analysis of the cell cycle in PI stained human fibroblasts (TIG-7).

We have demonstrated a method for the in situ determination of the cell cycle phases of TIG-7 fibroblasts using a laser scanning cytometer (LSC) which has not only a function equivalent to flow cytometry (FCM) but also has a capability unique in itself. LSC allows a more detailed analysis of the cell cycle in cells stained with propidium iodide (PI) than FCM. With LSC it is possible to discriminate between mitotic cells and G2 cells, between post-mitotic cells and G1 cells, and between quiescent cells and cycling cells in a PI fluorescence peak (chromatin condensation) vs. fluorescence value (DNA content) cytogram for cells stained with PI. These were amply confirmed by experiments using colcemid and adriamycin. We were able to identify at least six cell subpopulations for PI stained cells using LSC; namely G1, S, G2, M, postmitotic and quiescent cell populations. LSC analysis facilitates the monitoring of effects of drugs on the cell cycle.

Cell Cycle↗

Quantification of an in vitro cell-cell adhesion assay using interactive laser scanning cytometry.

We are interested in identifying cell-cell adhesion molecules on the surface of Sertoli cells that mediate Sertoli cell-spermatogenic cell adhesion. Numerous cell-cell adhesion assays employ microscopic observation, photomicroscopy or radioactive isotopes for quantification. Previously, we developed an in vitro assay for testicular cell interactions. This assay was, however, time consuming using photography for analysis. We have now modified this system using laser cytometry to quantify adherent cells. Rat testicular epithelial cells are cultured for approximately 6 days before labelling with fluorescein diactetate (FDA) to assess confluency by image scanning so that spermatogenic cell binding can be normalized to available epithelial cell surface area. Rat spermatogenic cells are labeled with FDA before addition to epithelial cell monolayers. In some studies, purified spermatogenic cell populations were isolated to determine average cell size. We found that spermatocyte area varied between 225-500 microns2, spermatids were 100-225 microns2 and residual bodies were less than 100 microns2. Using these parameters, scanning cytometry allows the differential analysis of adhesion by individual germ cell sub-classes from mixed cell suspensions, saving time, animals, and major expense. The scanning laser assisted assay is faster, more reproducible and less subjective than earlier cell-cell adhesion assays using light microscopy or isotopes. This experimental approach should facilitate any cell-cell adhesion assay in which one cell type is adherent to a substrate.

Animals↗

Unique analytical capabilities of laser scanning cytometry (LSC) that complement flow cytometry.

Flow cytometry has become an indispensable instrumentation in many disciplines of biology and medicine. There are some limitations of flow cytometry, inherent to the fact that the cells are measured in flow, which limit its usefulness in some applications. The microscope-based laser scanning cytometer (LSC) has many features similar to flow cytometry but few restrictions of the latter and therefore it is useful in many new applications. This review briefly outlines the applications that are unique to LSC, particularly related to its morphometric capabilities and the possibility of cell relocation. Potential future applications of LSC are also discussed.

Animals↗

Micronuclei assay by laser scanning cytometry.

BACKGROUND: The micronuclei (MN) assay is used to assess the chromosomal/mitotic spindle damage induced by ionizing radiation or mutagenic agents in vivo or in vitro. Because visual scoring of MN is cumbersome semi-automatic procedures that relay either on flow cytometry or image analysis were developed: both offer some advantages but also have shortcomings. METHODS: In the present study laser scanning cytometer (LSC), the instrument that combines analytical capabilities of flow and image cytometry, has been adapted for quantitative analysis of MN. The micronucleation of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and leukemic HL-60 and U-937 cells was induced by in vitro treatment with mitomycin C. Cellular DNA was stained with propidium iodide (PI), protein was counterstained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Two approaches were used to detect MN: (a) the threshold contour was set based on the data from the photosensor measuring red fluorescence of PI and MN were identified on the bivariate PI versus PI/FITC fluorescence distributions by their characteristic position; (b) the threshold contour was set on the data from the sensor measuring FITC fluorescence which made it possible, using the LSC software dedicated for FISH analysis, to assay both the frequency and DNA content of individual MN within each measured cell. RESULTS: The capability of LSC to relocate MN for visual examination was useful to confirm their identification. Visual identification of MN combined with their multiparameter characterization that took into an account their DNA content and protein/DNA ratio made it possible establish the gating parameters that excluded objects that were not MN; 93.3+/-3.3 events within the selected gate were MN. It was also possible to successfully apply FISH software to characterize individual cells with respect to quantity of MN residing in them. The percentage of MN assayed by LSC correlated well with that estimated visually by microscopy, both for MCF-7 (r = 0.93) and HL-60 cells (r = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: LSC can be used to obtain unbiased estimate of MN frequencies. Unlike flow cytometry, it also allows one to characterize individual cells with respect to frequency and DNA content of MN residing in these cells. These analytical capabilities of LSC may be helpful not only to score MN but also to study mechanisms by which clastogenic agents induce MN.

Cell Count↗

Near-infrared dyes for six-color immunophenotyping by laser scanning cytometry.

BACKGROUND: To adequately analyze the complexity of the immune system and reduce the required sample volume for immunophenotyping in general, more measurable colors for the discrimination of leukocyte subsets are necessary. Immunophenotyping by the laser scanning cytometer (LSC), a slide-based cytometric technology, combines cell detection based on multiple colors with their subsequent visualization without the need for physical cell sorting. In the present study, the filter setting of the LSC was adapted for the measurement of the far-red emitting dye cyanine 7 (Cy7), thereby increasing the number of measurable commercially available fluorochromes. METHODS: The optical filters of the LSC were replaced-photomultiplier (PMT) 3/allophycocyanin (APC): 740-nm dichroic long pass, and 670-/55-nm bandpass; PMT 4/Cy7: 810-/90-nm bandpass. Peripheral blood leukocytes were stained directly by fluorochrome-labeled antibodies or by indirect staining. The tandem dyes of Cy7 (phycoerythrin [PE]-Cy7, APC-Cy7) and the fluorochromes fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), PE, PE-Cy5, and APC were tested alone and in different combinations. RESULTS: With the new filter combination and tandem fluorochromes, Cy7 was measurable at 488-nm (argon laser) or 633-nm (helium-neon laser) excitation. Resolution was in the range of FITC for PE-Cy7 but approximately 30% lower for APC-Cy7; spillover into the respective donor fluorochrome channel for both tandem dyes was prominent. A six-color panel for leukocyte subtyping was designed. CONCLUSIONS: With this adaptation, it is possible to measure the tandem conjugates PE-Cy7 and APC-Cy7. This new setup opens the way for six-color immunophenotyping by LSC.

Benzothiazoles↗

Laser scanning cytometry can complement the flow cytometric DNA analysis in paraffin-embedded cancer samples: a paradigmatic case.

Archival studies on paraffin-embedded tumor samples are often complicated by difficulty obtaining a reliable diploid DNA standard. Nontumor cells, e.g., inflammatory and stromal cells, most often found interspersed among tumor cells, would represent a solution to this problem. Unfortunately, there is an inherent difficulty to positively identifying tumor cells in paraffin-embedded specimens. Using an aneuploid paraffin-embedded breast cancer sample, we show here that laser scanning cytometer (LSC) in conjunction with flow cytometry can help to address this issue. Following standard protocols, the tissue was deparaffinized and rehydrated, and the nuclei mechanically isolated before being exposed to propidium iodide. An aliquot served for single-parameter flow cytometric analysis, and the remaining cells were cytocentrifuged onto a microscope slide and LSC analysis was performed. The DNA histogram profiles generated by the two approaches were comparable and both showed the presence of cell populations with different DNA content. To assess the nature of these subsets, we performed a correlated measurement of DNA content and chromatin organization at the single-cell level by LSC. This allowed the identification of several subsets of nuclei. Slides were then stained with Giemsa and the nature of these subsets was assessed morphologically by exploiting the relocating capability of LSC. Inflammatory and stromal cells, residual diploid epithelial cells, and hyperdiploid tumor cells-each characterized by a peculiar coordinate pattern of DNA content and chromatin organization-could be positively identified. Diploid, nontumor cells can then be used as an internal standard for DNA ploidy.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Analysis of minimal sample volumes from head and neck cancer by laser scanning cytometry.

BACKGROUND: The increasing diversity in therapeutic strategies in head and neck oncology is dependent on the development of equally appropriate diagnostic tools. A growing number of diagnostic procedures is intended to be performed on an out-patient basis. In this context, analyses of hypocellular specimens such as fine-needle aspirate biopsies (FNABs) or swabs are very important: There are minimal side-effects, and they can be analysed within hours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laser scanning microscopy (LSC) is a microscope-based method combining the advantages of flow cytometry and image analysis: In addition to the fluorescence data of each individual cell, its morphology can be documented by re-staining with a conventional cytological staining. Any cell can then be re-localised in the microscope for direct observation. FNABs and swabs are incubated in PBS, erythrocytes are lysed, and cells are mounted on slides. After fixation in ethanol, cells are stained for cytokeratin by indirect immunolabelling and for DNA by propidium iodide. Analysis by LSC is performed to determine the ploidy of the epithelial cells. For immunophenotyping of peripheral blood in cancer patients by LSC 20 microl full blood are stained for CD antigens by direct immunolabelling and for DNA by 7-aminoactinomycin D. RESULTS: FNABs and swabs were taken from 150 malignancies of different sites in total; all specimens yielded sufficient cells (>5,000). 30 tumours of the parotid gland were analysed in detail: Out of 9 malignant tumours 8 showed aneuploidy, whereas all 21 benign tumours were diploid. Immunophenotyping in 23 tumour patients showed a significant reduction of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood as compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies have to be performed to validate the analysis of hypocellular specimens by LSC and to determine its role in routine clinical work. Its potential is most evident in tumours that are not accessible for open biopsy such as those of the parotid gland or the larynx.

Antigens, CD↗