title: A simple technique for obtaining high quality chromosome preparations from chorionic villus samples using FdU synchronization.
abstract: A fluorordeoxyuridine (FdU) synchronization technique was applied to 30 chorionic villus samples (CVS) from patients undergoing first trimester fetal diagnosis. The villi were incubated for 15 h in the presence of FdU. The block in DNA synthesis was subsequently released using thymidine and after an additional 5 h of incubation the mitotic cells were arrested in metaphases using a high concentration of colcemid. This method results in improved morphology of the chromosomes and a high mitotic index. A diagnostic chromosome analysis could be obtained in each clinical case using at least 15 well-spread metaphases. G-banded karyotypes were prepared of four metaphases in each case. The diagnostic procedure was completed within 48 h from the time of CVS. Use of this technique significantly improves the success rate of 'direct' chromosome analyses from CVS in a busy cytogenetic laboratory.
mesh_terms: D002824:Chorionic Villi; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005467:Floxuridine / Q000235:genetics*; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008677:Metaphase; D008940:Mitotic Index; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D005467:Floxuridine