Journal Published Online: 01 September 1994
Volume 39, Issue 5

Flow Cytometry: A Screening Tool for High Molecular Weight DNA

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Decomposition is the degradation of tissues due to a combination of autolysis and putrefaction. As the postmortem interval lengthens, chromatin is degraded until no high molecular weight DNA (HMW-DNA) remains. The DNA complement per cell can be measured by flow cytometry; the integrity of the DNA within a tissue can be determined using gel electrophoresis. In this study, splenic tissue was harvested at autopsy and was allowed to decompose over several days. Serial samples were taken and submitted for gel electrophoresis and flow cytometric analysis. Gel electrophoresis showed HMW-DNA was present at postmortem days one through three but little remained by day four. Flow cytometry closely reproduced the same results with peaks near the 2n control indicating the presence of HMW-DNA. This implies that flow cytometry may substitute for gel electrophoresis as a quick, inexpensive assay for the presence of HMW-DNA.

Author Information

Cina, SJ
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Gelven, PL
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Gittinger, CK
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Re, GG
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Self, SE
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13701J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13701J