Dynamics of Chromosome Spreading

Written by Jack L. Spurbeck, Alan R. Zinsmeister, Kevin J. Meyer, and Syed M. Jalal.
Division of Laboratory Genetics (J.L.S., K.J.M., S.M.J.) and Section of Biostatistics (A.R.Z.), Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester Minnesota

EXCERPT:
"Consistency of optimum chromosome spreading during harvest of cytogenetic specimens remains a major concern. We have tested the idea that a precise control of the drying rate (the time with which metaphase cells dry), as fixed cell suspension is placed on a slide or an in situ culture in last fixation, may be the answer. Amniocyte and lymphocyte cultures were allowed to dry at defined combinations of relative humidity (RH) and temperature (T) in a modified Thermotron environmental control unit. We were able to demonstrate based on 2,250 amniocytes and 1,650 lymphocytes, that the metaphase area after drying was a function of RH and T for both in situ and non-in situ culture systems."

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