Improved sensitivity in flow cytometric intracellular ionized calcium measurement using fluo-3/Fura Red fluorescence ratios

Cytometry. 1994 Oct 1;17(2):135-41. doi: 10.1002/cyto.990170205.

Abstract

Measurement of changes in intracellular ionized calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) has proved to be of wide use in the study of cellular responses to activating stimuli. The fluorescent dye Indo-1 has successfully been used in flow cytometry for this purpose, and when used as a ratiometric indicator it provides optimum sensitivity and accuracy. Unfortunately, this dye requires ultraviolet (UV) excitation which is often not available. We show here that similar results can be obtained using a ratio of green to red fluorescence from the simultaneous loading of the dyes Fura Red and fluo-3. Both Fura Red and fluo-3 are excited using the commonly available blue 488 nm laser line. With appropriate concentrations of the two dyes, the magnitude of response with the fluo-3/Fura Red ratio is greater than that achieved with indo-1, while the intercellular variation in measurement is similar to that seen with indo-1. Analyses can be simultaneously combined with immunofluorescent detection of PE-labeled antibodies to enable [Ca2+]i measurement within cell subsets.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Benzofurans
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Flow Cytometry / statistics & numerical data
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Indoles
  • Intracellular Fluid / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Xanthenes

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Benzofurans
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Imidazoles
  • Indoles
  • Xanthenes
  • fura red
  • Fluo-3
  • indo-1
  • Calcium