Cells can be removed from an animal, stained with a fluorochrome which is not harmful to cell function and then reinjected into a donor animal so that the pathways of cell movement can be followed. The fluorochrome we have had the most success with in this role is CFSE, (carboxyfluoroscein succinimidyl ester) which is cleaved by non specific esterases after entering the cell and thereafter remains in the cytoplasm of the cell for days to months. If the cells are undergoing division, the amount of CFSE present in each daughter cell after a division is half that of the parent.
The example below shows mouse thymocytes after staining with CFSE and treatment with a stimulus.
Place mouse over the density plot population please!
;
References: Lyons, A.B., and C.R. Parish. 1994. Determination of lymphocyte division by flow cytometry. J. Immunol. Methods.171:131-137.
Also my personal experience.....
;
The creator of this page:Geoff.Osborne@anu.edu.au