Rapid detection of apoptosis in cultured mammalian cells

Abstract

Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for the analysis of apoptosis, the process that directly determines cell fate after the action of different stresses. Here, we describe a flow cytometry method for the assessment of early and late stages of apoptosis in non-fixed cultured cells using SYTO16, DRAQ7, and PO-PRO1 dyes simultaneously. This multicolor flow cytometry procedure requires 45 min for completion and provides a quantitative assessment of cell viability. It can be useful in evaluating the cytotoxic properties of new drugs, and antitumor interventions.