Building on its’ vast experience scoring in vivo Micronucleus samples via flow cytometry (i.e. the MicroFlow in vivo method), Litron is now offering kits based on a similar automated method for scoring micronuclei in cultured cells.  Requiring only minimal amounts of compound, this method supports both attachment and suspension cell lines and significantly improves the speed and objectivity of scoring in vitro Micronucleus samples.

Overview
While flow cytometric methods for scoring cell culture-derived MN have been described in the literature, the measurements obtained with this technology have tended to be adversely affected by apoptotic chromatin, resulting in false positives. To overcome this challenge, and create a more robust, faster method of analysis, Litron Laboratories has developed a sequential staining procedure that labels nuclear fragments containing apoptotic and necrotic chromatin.  This process ensures more accurate measurement of micronuclei.

Why Choose MicroFlow (in vitro)?
The in vitro MicroFlow method supports a wide range of cell lines, both attachment and suspension, including L5178Y, CHO-K1, TK6 and V79 among others. Ongoing investigations include other test systems such as human peripheral blood lymphocytes and 3D human skin models. These In Vitro MicroFlow kits offer researchers a number of clear advantages:

• Faster Results: Results from scoring a complete test are typically obtained in just one day. This much higher throughput offers the ability to screen more compounds per week, or per month, than is possible using traditional methods.
• Superior Data: Using the In Vitro MicroFlow method, micronucleus data are reproducible to a degree not possible with simple microscopic scoring. Micronucleus counts are determined within a population of 20,000 healthy nuclei (versus only 2,000 by traditional methods).
• High Content: Along with micronucleus measurements, this method also offers superior bead-based cytotoxicity assessment (Relative Survival), the percentage of dead/dying cells and cell cycle information.