Open AccessResponse in shape and size of individual p31 cancer cells to cisplatin and ouabain: a computerized image analysis of cell halo characteristics during continuous perfusion
Author(s) -
BehnamMotlagh Parviz,
Grankvist Kjell,
Henriksson Roger,
Engström K. Gunnar
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
cytometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0320
pISSN - 0196-4763
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0320(20000701)40:3<198::aid-cyto4>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - cisplatin , apoptosis , cancer cell , halo , cell , flow cytometry , programmed cell death , biology , cell culture , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , cancer , chemistry , cancer research , medicine , chemotherapy , physics , biochemistry , genetics , quantum mechanics , galaxy
Background Volume regulation is essential for cellular functions, including cell death, such as apoptosis. Flow cytometry is standard for nonadherent cells, such as blood cells. Our aim was to explore image analysis methods to study adherent cancer cells of a solid tumor. Methods P31 mesothelioma cells were perifused (40 min) and studied by phase‐contrast microscopy. A noise reduction of the cell contour was tested to more accurately yield the cell shape factor (SF). The optical halo around the cell was analyzed for information about membrane blebbing. Results The projected cell area (PCA) slowly increased under control perfusion, the halo outside more than the halo inside. Cisplatin (apoptosis) caused an immediate increase in the PCA‐halo outside (5.9 ± 1.2 %, P < 0.01, 1–5 min) and the SF indicated decreased roundness ( P < 0.05). The SF‐halo inside became more irregular than the outside, which was different from the control cells. The morphology reflected instant blebbing, and the cell bodies showed fragmentation after about 20 min. Ouabain resulted in only small changes in PCA and SF, significantly different from both control and cisplatin conditions. Conclusions Image analysis (PCA and SF) on perifused adherent cancer cells may serve as a tool to follow the sensitivity of cancer chemotherapy and to study cell death patterns. Cytometry 40:198–208, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.