Phase contrast microscopy of living cells within the whole lens: spatial correlations and morphological dynamics.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Images from cultured lens cells do not convey enough spatial information, and imaging of fixed lens specimens cannot reveal dynamic changes in the cells. As such, a real-time, convenient approach for monitoring label-free imaging of dynamic processes of living cells within the whole lens is urgently needed.

Methods

Female Wistar rat lenses were kept in organ culture. Insulin-like growth factor-I was added to the culture medium to induce cell mitosis. A novel method of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was used to induce cell apoptosis and fiber damage. The cellular morphological dynamics within the whole lens were monitored by inverted phase contrast microscopy. Apoptosis was assessed using a commercial kit with Hoechst 33342/YO-PRO®-1/propidium iodide (PI).

Results

SUBMITTER: Kong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3414438 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature