Evaluation of neuronal cell death by laser scanning cytometry

Brain Res Brain Res Protoc. 2002 Feb;9(1):41-8. doi: 10.1016/s1385-299x(01)00135-0.

Abstract

We developed a method in which laser scanning cytometry (LSC) is applied to evaluate cell viability. Neuronal cell death induced by glutamic acid, serum potassium deprivation and 3-nitropropionic acid was studied in cerebellar granule cells by neutral red assay (NR) and LSC, using propidium iodide (PI) as fluorescent dye. PI labeled the nuclei of dead neurons and increased fluorescence was measured using a laser scanning cytometer. Similar levels of damage for each injury were detected by NR or LSC. The protocol presented here, provides a fast and sensitive assay for the analysis of neuronal viability using LSC, and can be used to study new neuroprotective drugs in neuronal cell cultures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Death / drug effects*
  • Cell Death / physiology
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Culture Media, Serum-Free / toxicity
  • Cytophotometry / instrumentation
  • Cytophotometry / methods*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Glutamic Acid / toxicity
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neuropharmacology / instrumentation
  • Neuropharmacology / methods
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology*
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Potassium Deficiency / metabolism
  • Propionates / toxicity
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Culture Media, Serum-Free
  • Neurotoxins
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Propionates
  • Glutamic Acid
  • 3-nitropropionic acid