Methods for determination of cell volume in tissue culture

Abstract

In this paper we present an overview of methods for determining cell volume in both suspension and monolayer cultures. Data from the use of selected methods such as the Coulter counter system for suspension cultures and radiolabelled intracellular markers for substratum-attached, monolayer cultures are presented. The advantages, limitations, and conditions under which the different methods can be used are discussed. It is pointed out that there is a need for more direct physical methods for measuring dynamic changes in the cell volume of monolayer cultures without removing the cells from the substratum. Data from a method applicable to such cultures that measures extracellular impedance are presented.Key words: cell volume, monolayer cultures, extracellular impedance, radiolabelled intracellular markers, primary astrocyte cultures.