Cell cycle analysis in flow cytometry: use of BrdU labelling and side scatter for the detection of the different cell cycle phases

Cell cycle analysis in flow cytometry is based on the incorporation of labelled precursors in DNA. The use of BrdU versus SSC, in which side scatter substitutes PI fluorescence, has proved to be useful also for the distinction between G2 and Mitotic cells. Mitoses often produce an SSC decrease due to the morphological changes that happen in the nucleus during this phase of cell cycle. Moreover, DNA accessibility to PI varies during mitosis, as well. However, most of these variations, detectable by flow cytometry appear to be basically dependent on the cell line used.