Flow cytometric analysis and sorting of human endometrial cells after immunocytochemical labeling for cytokeratin using a monoclonal antibody

Endometrial cells in suspension were stained with propidium iodide and a monoclonal antibody against a cytokeratin intermediate filament protein specific for glandular and columnar cells (RGE 53). In this way columnar epithelial cells of the normal endometrium and of adenocarcinomas can be distinguished and separated by flow cytometry from non-epithelial cells (fibroblasts and inflammatory cells) and squamous epithelial cells, all of which are negative for RGE 53. This makes it possible to analyse and also sort pure fractions of this particular tissue type for further studies. The use of propidium iodide allows simultaneous DNA flow cytometry of these columnar epithelial cells. Therefore, the use of antibodies to cytokeratin in combination with propidium iodide can be of help in analyzing and sorting pure fractions of both normal and malignant cells. This allows a more refined examination of complex cell mixtures using flow cytometry.     

Effects of Legal Abortion on Gynaecology

The effect of the Abortion Act on gynaecological work in one provincial teaching hospital is that despite an increase in patient turnover of 45% the waiting list has increased by 200%. It is suggested that the Act has had little effect on the birth rate or illegitimacy and that there may have been an increase in criminal abortion.     

The chromosomes and linkage groups ofPisum

By appropriate genetical studies using reciprocal translocation stocks it has been possible to confirmLamprecht's evidence that inPisum there are seven linkage groups. Lamm's evidence for six linkage groups has been shown to be due to incomplete knowledge of the chromosomal structure of certain interchange lines.It is suggested thatLamprecht's system of chromosomal nomenclature should be universally adopted forPisum.Lamm &Miravelle's extended tester set has been accordingly renumbered and the intercrossing of the interchange lines completed in order to extend the confirmatory evidence as to their chromosomal constitution.