Detection of 5-Bromodeoxyuridine Incorporation in Metaphase Chromosomes of Dedifferentiated Melanoma Cells

Abstract

Observed reversible effects, mediated by the incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) into the DNA of mouse melanoma cells were; changes in culture growth pattern, altered cell morphology and suppression of melanogenecis. The incorporation of BrdUrd into the metaphase chromosomes, was traced with 1.) the Hoechst 33258 fluorescence stain and 2.) the unlabeled antibody peroxidase method. Different levels of BrdUrd incorporation, are shown to exhibit differential staining patterns on the metaphase chromosomes. The specific sites of preferential BrdUrd incorporation may provide a morphological clue to the structural and functional changes observed.