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. 1963 Feb 9;88(6):302–307.

Observations on the Technique for the Study of Human Chromosomes-by the Culture of Leukocytes from Peripheral Blood

Paul Genest, Carlton Auger
PMCID: PMC1921050  PMID: 13947140

Abstract

A critical analysis of the various features of blood leukocyte culture for the study of human chromosomes was carried out. The following observations were made: (1) Fasting blood was essential for effective separation of leukocytes. (2) These cells are easily obtained by differential centrifugation and RBC sedimentation. (3) Non-specific agglutination of leukocytes was prevented by the use of Eagle's medium for suspension cultures. (4) No contamination occurred in a series of 50 leukocyte cultures to which antibiotics were not added. (5) Addition of an experimental Phaseolus vulgaris extract at concentration of 1 × 10−4 to cultures resulted in a 12 to 15% mitotic index. (6) Desacetyl-methyl-colchicine (Colcemid) had optimal effect at concentration of 0.1 μg./ml. (7) Distilled water added to cell suspension in culture medium (5: 1) was an effective hypotonic agent.

A simplified technique of leukocyte culture for chromosome preparations is proposed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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