A new method for fast blood cell counting and partial differentiation by flow cytometry

Environmental Enrichment Improved Learning and Memory, Increased Telencephalic Cell Proliferation, and Induced Differential Gene Expression in Colossoma macropomum

Fish use spatial cognition based on allocentric cues to navigate, but little is known about how environmental enrichment (EE) affects learning and memory in correlation with hematological changes or gene expression in the fish brain. Here we investigated these questions in Colossoma macropomum (Teleostei). Fish were housed for 192 days in either EE or in an impoverished environment (IE) aquarium. EE contained toys, natural plants, and a 12-h/day water stream for voluntary exercise, whereas IE had no toys, plants, or water stream. A third plus maze aquarium was used for spatial and object recognition tests. Compared with IE, the EE fish showed greater learning rates, body length, and body weight. After behavioral tests, whole brain tissue was taken, stored in RNA-later, and then homogenized for DNA sequencing after conversion of isolated RNA. To compare read mapping and gene expression profiles across libraries for neurotranscriptome differential expression, we mapped back RNA-seq reads to the C. macropomum de novo assembled transcriptome. The results showed significant differential behavior, cell counts and gene expression in EE and IE individuals. As compared with IE, we found a greater number of cells in the telencephalon of individuals maintained in EE but no significant difference in the tectum opticum, suggesting differential plasticity in these areas. A total of 107,669 transcripts were found that ultimately yielded 64 differentially expressed transcripts between IE and EE brains. Another group of adult fish growing in aquaculture conditions were either subjected to exercise using running water flow or maintained sedentary. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood showed a significantly higher density of lymphocytes, and platelets but no significant differences in erythrocytes and granulocytes. Thus, under the influence of contrasting environments, our findings showed differential changes at the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels. We propose that the differential expression of selected transcripts, number of telencephalic cell counts, learning and memory performance, and selective hematological cell changes may be part of Teleostei adaptive physiological responses triggered by EE visuospatial and somatomotor stimulation. Our findings suggest abundant differential gene expression changes depending on environment and provide a basis for exploring gene regulation mechanisms under EE in C. macropomum.

Platelet analysis using flowcytometric procedures

'Ex vivo' testing of functional platelet properties using conventional techniques reflects the overall behaviour of the whole platelet population in the sample under investigation. Since many functional aspects depend on ultrastructural constituents which may vary from one cell to another, multiparameter single cell analysis of platelets may be advantageous in providing direct insight into deviations at the cellular level relevant to the pathophysiology of disease states such as bleeding disorders or thrombophilia. Immunolabelling with monoclonal antibodies against membrane antigens has been combined with flowcytometry to provide a standardized, highly specific and sensitive analytical tool. The assay has been optimized for simultaneous two colour fluorescence staining, and this allows the testing of whole blood to provide a quick monitoring method for the differential diagnosis of thrombasthenic diseases like Bernard Soulier's syndrome or Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in which typical staining patterns lack the specific fluorescence for glycoproteins Ib and IIb/IIIa respectively. Also changes in the antigenicity of the outer membrane of activated platelets are detectable with monoclonal antibodies against specific antigenic epitopes such as thrombospondin (a secretion marker) or α-granule and lysosomal proteins (extrusion markers). However, for detection of activated platelets in diseases associated with a prethrombotic state, the procedures for immunolabelling platelets with monoclonal antibodies and instrumental detection sensitivity remain to be optimized. After further development, flowcytometric assays of the functional status of individual platelets may be superior to the measurement of the indirect plasma markers such as platelet factor 4 or β-thromboglobulin for routine diagnosis of the prethrombotic state.

Enumeration of absolute cell counts using immunophenotypic techniques

Absolute counting of cells or cell subsets has a number of significant clinical applications: monitoring the disease status of HIV-infected patients, enumerating residual white blood cells in leukoreduced blood products, and assessing immunodeficiency in a variety of situations. The single-platform method (flow cytometry alone) has emerged as the method of choice for absolute cell enumeration. This technology counts only the cells of interest in a precisely determined blood volume. Exact cell identification is accomplished by a logical electronic gating algorithm capable of identifying lineage-specific immunofluorescent markers. Exclusion of unwanted cells is automatic. This extensive and detailed unit presents protocols for both volumetric and flow-rate determination of residual white blood cells and of leukocyte subsets.

Counting absolute number of lymphocytes in quail whole blood by flow cytometry

In a previous study, we reported a new method for counting quail blood cells. After quail blood cells were stained with fluorescent lipophilic dye (DiOC6(3)), absolute counts of erythrocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes were obtained by means of flow cytometry (FC). The FC method has the potential for application to avian blood cells count; however, the method was unable to distinguish between lymphocytes and thrombocytes. In the present study, we improved the FC method to obtain separate counts of lymphocytes using DiOC5(3). After quail blood cells were stained with DiOC5(3), the cells were measured with FC. Each blood cell type was distinguished by means of their typical FL-1 (green fluorescence) and SSC (side scatter). Absolute numbers of erythrocytes, granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes in whole blood were obtained. The improved FC analysis worked equally well with chicken (Gallus gallus) and goose (Anser cygnoides) blood.

Simplified Volumetric Flow Cytometry Allows Feasible and Accurate Determination of Cd4 T Lymphocytes in Immunodeficient Patients Worldwide

The determination of CD4 cells is of crucial clinical importance for patients with AIDS. However, the high costs involved represent limitations for CD4 cell counting in developing countries. In order to provide an affordable technique, we introduced a simplified volumetric counting (SVC) technique without sample manipulations and investigated it in a multicentre study. Blood samples from 434 healthy donors and immunodeficient patients were tested in eight hospital laboratories in Europe, Africa and Asia. CD4 cell counts were compared using inhouse flow cytometric methods and the SVC technique. The SVC method was performed on a low-cost flow cytometer (CyFlow SL, Partec, Münster, Germany) after 15 min antibody incubation without pre-analytic manipulations, such as washing or erythrocyte lysing procedures. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a correlation of r=0.942 (Europe), r=0.952 (Africa) and r=0.989 (Asia) between the SVC technique and the in-house methods. Bland Altman plot analysis of all patient data showed a mean bias between the two methods of +26 CD4 cells in favour of the SVC technique (measured range: 6–1905 cells/μl; median CD4 cell count: 388/μl). Three centres used the FACS-count technique (Becton-Dickinson, San José, Calif., USA) as an in-house method dispensing with pre-analytic manipulations. The comparison of SVC and FACS-count method revealed a mean bias of +32 CD4 cells/μl (median CD4 cell count: 349/μl). The accuracy of the SVC was tested on standards with known CD4 cell counts ( n=6) and was shown to be 95.2%. The low-cost device and the simplified no-lyse, no-wash test procedure reduces the costs per determination and facilitates the use of flow cytometry in developing countries.

A new method for counting of quail leukocytes by flow cytometry

An automatic counting method was developed for fish blood cells using a fluorescent dye, 3, 3-dihexyloxacarbocyanine (DiOC (6)(3)), that selectively stain lipid bilayers in living cells. In the present study, the DiOC(6)(3) method was applied to quail (Cotumix cotumix japonica) blood cells. After quail blood cells were stained with DiOC(6)(3), absolute counts and relative proportions of erythrocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes plus thrombocytes in whole blood were obtained by means of flow cytometry (FC). The number of each cell types by the FC was in good agreement with those counted microscopically. This method will offer new possibilities for routine blood cell counting for avian medicine.

A new method for fish leucocyte counting and partial differentiation by flow cytometry

A simple and rapid method for analysis of fish blood cells is presented. Carp (Cyprinus carpio) blood was diluted 200 times with Hanks' solution containing 1 microg/ml of DiOC6(3) which is a fluorescent, lipophilic dye. After staining for 10 min, the blood cells were measured by a flow cytometer (FACS). Several blood cell populations were identified by different FL-1 (green fluorescence), FSC (forward scatter), and SSC (side scatter) properties. FL-1 v. SSC or FSC v. SSC dot-plot of stained blood cells displayed five separate cell populations: erythrocytes: a mixture of thrombocytes plus lymphocytes; monocytes; neutrophils; and basophils. The number of each type of blood cell counted by the FACS was in good agreement with those counted microscopically.

Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular complexity and CD45 expression for use in rapid differentiation of leukocytes in bovine blood samples

OBJECTIVE

To develop an efficient and reliable method that accurately differentiates bovine lymphocytes from monocytes in leukograms.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Blood samples from 30 healthy cows and 1 calf with bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

PROCEDURE

Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular complexity and CD45 expression on bovine leukocytes was compared with results for conventional light microscopy methods. Verification of leukocyte subpopulations determined by intracellular complexity and CD45 expression was conducted, using 2-color phenotypic analysis with selected monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

The CD45 and side-scatter properties of bovine leukocytes clearly differentiated cell types, including neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This is a rapid assay that is simple to use. More importantly, it is more accurate than the conventional method that involves the use of blood slides and light microscopy, because of the ability of the assay to readily distinguish bovine monocytes and lymphocytes. Rapid preparation of samples and short analysis times allow for efficient and reliable examination of a large number of samples, and the task of viewing slides by light microscopy is eliminated. The labor-savings benefit of this procedure is most apparent in research environments that require frequent processing of batches of blood samples.

Cytofluorometric methods for assessing absolute numbers of cell subsets in blood. European Working Group on Clinical Cell Analysis

The enumeration of absolute levels of cells and their subsets in clinical samples is of primary importance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)+ individuals (CD4+ T- lymphocyte enumeration), in patients who are candidates for autotransplantation (CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells), and in evaluating leukoreduced blood products (residual white blood cells). These measurements share a number of technical options, namely, single- or multiple-color cell staining and logical gating strategies. These can be accomplished using single- or dual-platform counting technologies employing cytometric methods. Dual-platform counting technologies couple the percentage of positive cell subsets obtained by cytometry and the absolute cell count obtained by automated hematology analyzers to derive the absolute value of such subsets. Despite having many conceptual and technical limitations, this approach is traditionally considered as the reference method for absolute cell count enumeration. As a result, the development of single-platform technologies has recently attracted attention with several different technical approaches now being readily available. These single-platform approaches have less sources of variability. A number of reports clearly demonstrate that they provide better coefficients of variation (CVs) in multicenter studies and a lower chance to generate aberrant results. These methods are therefore candidates for the new gold standard for absolute cell assessments. The currently available technical options are discussed in this review together with the results of some cross-comparative studies. Each analytical system has its own specific requirements as far as the dispensing precision steps are concerned. The importance of precision reverse pipetting is emphasized. Issues still under development include the establishment of the critical error ranges, which are different in each test setting, and the applicability of simplified low-cost techniques to be used in countries with limited resources.

A rapid and accurate closed-tube immunoassay for platelets on an automated hematology analyzer

Accurate and precise platelet counts are important for patients with severe thrombocytopenia or who are receiving chemotherapy. We developed a novel flow cytometric analysis of platelets that may be particularly valuable for assessing the necessity for platelet transfusions. This ImmunoPlt (CD61) assay is based in part on CD61 monoclonal antibody labeling and has been automated and implemented on the CELL-DYN 4000 hematology analyzer. It is well suited for thrombocytopenic specimens, since it reduces interference by nonplatelet particles. It takes less than 5 minutes from closed-tube aspiration to report. Data for more than 350 thrombocytopenic specimens demonstrate that the ImmunoPlt (CD61) assay is more accurate than the optical scatter or the impedance count for specimens with platelet counts between 1 and 60 x 10(3)/microL (1 and 60 x 10(9)/L). The ImmunoPlt (CD61) assay is more precise than the optical scatter or the impedance count for specimens with platelet counts between 1 and 50 x 10(3)/microL (1 and 50 x 10(9)/L).

Flow-cytometric enumeration of reticulocytes with the new fluorochrome 1,3'-diethyl-4,2'-quinolylthiacyanine (correction of 1',3'-diethyl-4,2'-quinolylthiacyanine)

Several flow-cytometric methods for reticulocyte enumeration in whole blood have been developed, with different degrees of practical use. Recently, a new fluorochrome, 1,3'-diethyl-4,2'-quinolylthiacyanine (corrected) (DEQTC) was proposed in a brief report, as an alternative to thiazole orange for reticulocyte counting. We have evaluated the usefulness of this fluorescent stain by assessing the optimal conditions for the flow-cytometric analysis, and by comparing in double-blind assays the quantitative results of this technique with those obtained by manual counting with brilliant cresyl blue. Our results show that flow cytometry with DEQTC is highly correlated to the manual method (r = 0.95-0.99), supporting the interest of this particular stain and of flow cytometry for routine laboratory work in hematology.

[Automated microfluorometric absolute count and maturation analysis of reticulocytes]

The absolute reticulocyte count and the maturation distribution of blood reticulocytes can be obtained by automated microfluorometric analysis in a deposit system called AURAS (Automated Reticulocyte Analysis System). Moreover visual measurements are possible on the same specimen for cell individual control. Visual reticulocyte counts are of high reproducibility and accuracy and therefore deliver practicable reference data. Results from experimental work indicate the value of maturation distribution changes with respect to Erythropoietin effects.

Optimization of flow-cytometric discrimination between reticulocytes and erythrocytes

An automatized technique to count reticulocytes by means of flow cytometry is described. Blood samples were stained by the fluorescent dye acridine orange without the use of fixative. Scatter and red fluorescence of the blood cells were measured in a flow cytometer. A discrimination between reticulocytes and erythrocytes was only achieved by using logarithmic amplification. The discrimination was better in peak mode than in area mode. The optimum dye concentration was 0.5 mg/liter acridine orange. At lower dye concentrations, not all reticulocytes were measured, whereas at higher dye concentrations the degree of discrimination between reticulocytes and erythrocytes decreased. There was a suitable discrimination between reticulocytes and erythrocytes. The reticulocyte numbers were scored by flow cytometry as well as by microscope for blood samples with 0.1-14% reticulocytes. The correlation between both methods was close.

New possibilities of cytostatic drug testing on patient tumor cells by flow cytometry

A new assay for cytostatic drug testing is described which can be automated. Pleural effusions and ascites are cultured as such for one week. Cells of solid tumors are cultured in the patients own serum for the same time. The cells are then stained with the esterase and intracellular pH-indicator dye 1,4-diacetoxy-2,3-dicyano-benzene (ADB) to label vital cells. They are simultaneously stained with propidium iodide (PI) as an indicator for dead cells. Monosized fluorescent latex particles are added as concentration, volume and fluorescence standard. Inflammatory cells can be distinguished in the assay from tumor cells because of their small cell volume. The number of dead and surviving cells is counted by the flow cytometer and a therapeutic index is calculated as ratio between the surviving inflammatory to surviving tumor cells. An important feature of the assay is that the DNA-distribution of the dead cells (e.g. aneuploidy) as well as the functional state of the surviving tumor cells and inflammatory cells can be judged from intracellular esterase activity and intracellular pH.