The protocol reported here describes a simple, easy, fast and reproducible method aimed to know the geometric parameters of living cells based on confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with 3D reconstruction software. Briefly, the method is based on intrinsic fluorescence properties of acridine orange (AO), a molecule taken up by living adherent cells. Dual binding of AO to either DNA or RNA allows complete staining. When combined with confocal microscopy, 3D software can be used for in vivo living cell reconstruction. Beside the purpose that we intend here, a fast and easy system for cell volume determination, the protocol is an easy approach to study changes in morphology during cellular processes such as cell differentiation. Novel therapeutic approaches would require some knowledge about how these drugs enter into cells/tissues. For this purpose fast and accurate in vivo cell volume determinations such as the method reported here, in combination with analytical methods, would allow estimating intracellular concentrations of compounds and might be further employed for finding out whether any new drug can reach the effective concentration inside its cellular target. Furthermore this protocol with minimal adjustments will permit the determination of morphometric parameters in vivo in different types of adherent cells.
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