Isolation and characterization of glioblastoma nuclei and chromosomes in the lyophilized state

Abstract

✓ Intact lyophilized nuclei and chromosomes were obtained from glioblastomas or brain, either in situ or in culture, by freezing at −156°C, drying at −25°C, and mechanical disassociation in glycerol at 2°C. Nuclear or chromosomal isolation was accomplished in hygroscopic nonaqueous media of high density. The method gave homogeneous nuclear and chromosomal preparations in high yield with preservation of labile, water-soluble constituents and residual biosynthetic activity. Unique opportunities for quantitative cytochemical studies at the level of the subcellular organelle are made available by the method.