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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #32249
Title: FLOW CYTOMETRY

Author
item Lillehoj, Hyun
item MARTIN ALISON M - 1265-40-00

Submitted to: Antibody Techniques A Guide For Non-Immunologists
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Flow cytometry is a procedure that one uses to measure staining of lymphocytes. In this procedure, antibody molecule is conjugated to a fluorochromatic dye and stained cells in liquid suspension are carried through a sensing device commonly illuminated by laser beams. In this book chapter, ARS scientists review various applications of flow cytometry in immunology, genetics and cell biology for scientists who plan to use this technique in their research.

Technical Abstract: With the advent of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigens flow cytometry (FCM) has evolved as a standard research tool. FCM analysis is not only useful to quantitate distinct subpopulations of cells, but also to characterize the host's antibody response to bacteria, virus or parasites. Most current immunological applications of flow cytometry relate to identification and quantification of heterogeneous cell populations. Also, analyses of physical characteristics (cell size and shape, cytoplasmic granularity, protein fluorescence, DNA content) as well as functional characteristics (enzyme activity, redox state, intracellular receptors, endocytosis, surface receptors, membrane-bound and cytoplasmic Ca+2, intracellular pH) are possible using the flow cytometer.