A Simple Fluorometric Microassay of DNA in Mononuclear Cell Preparations Using Ethidium Bromide

Abstract

A simplified fluorometric microassay of DNA in mononuciear cell preparations using ethidium bromide is described.Optimal assay conditions are as follows;sodium dodecyl Sulfate (0.015%)(2ml) was added to mononuclear cells as a detergent, then ethidium bromide (8μg/ml)(2ml) was added as a fiuorescent intercalating agent.Fluorescence intensity was measured with an excitation at 538nm and an emission at 586nm.Cellular DNA are determined in the range of 1×105-4×106cells.This fluorometric assay is simpie, rapid, highly sensitive, and directly applicable to mononuclear cell preparations.