Multiparameter absorption measurements in automated microscopy. Simultaneous quantitative determination of DNA and nuclear antigen.
OBJECTIVE
To test a dual DNA-nuclear antigen staining method for multiparameter absorption image analysis.


METHODS
MCF 7 cells, grown on glass slides, served as a model to test the staining technique. For DNA, Feulgen-based CAS quantitative DNA staining, and for nuclear antigen, alkaline phosphatase-based immunocytochemical staining with CAS Red as the chromogen, were used. MIB-1, estrogen and progesterone receptors were used as examples of nuclear antigen staining. Measurements were performed with the DISCOVERY image analyzer.


RESULTS
Scatterplots, in which the nuclear antigen content was plotted against the DNA content, were obtained. Immunostain-positive and -negative populations could be discriminated. These cells were visualized in image galleries. The DNA histograms of the positive and negative cells showed no change in coefficient of variation or integrated optical density ratio of the G0, G1 and G2 + M peaks as compared to single DNA staining. The intensity of the immunostain increased as compared to the single immunostaining result.


CONCLUSIONS
This staining technique allows the simultaneous accurate measurement of costained DNA and antigen within the same nucleus. This opens the possibility for studies in which nuclear antigen expression is monitored during the cell cycle or in cells of different ploidy classes. Identified cells can also be visualized by presentation in an image gallery or by relocation on the slide. This can support the analysis of clinical samples, where cytometric data can be correlated with and confirmed by visual diagnosis.
Oud
P S
PS
Becton Dickinson Cellular Imaging Systems, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Bauwens
A
A
Nauwelaers
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FA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D001331:Automation; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019044:Image Cytometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D008739:Methyl Green; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D012984:Software; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; C007722:Feulgen stain; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D008739:Methyl Green