Effect of Hoechst 33258 on Chinese hamster chromosomes

Abstract

Cells of the Chinese hamster strain C-125 were treated for different time intervals with H 33258, a bibenzimidazole derivative. The same compound was used to stain fixed cells of the same strain. H 33258 induced in cells in culture specific areas of reduced spiralization on the metaphase chromosomes of some cells. These probably correspond to DNA segments rich in A-T bases interspersed along the chromosomes. Probably H 33258 acts during S period of cell cycle. The banding obtained by staining with H 33258 is similar to that induced by quinacrine dihydrochloride but shows a better resolution.

Characterization of the Chromatin ofAsellus Aquaticus(Crust. Isop.) By Treatmentin Vivowith BrdU and Hoechst 33258

“…It seems in any case evident that BrdU and Hoechst 33258, contrary to previous observations (DUTRILLAUX 1977;RoccHI et al 1976), have acted in vivo also outside the S period, with a similar effect both in mitosis and in meiosis.…”

“…1974;HILWIG and GROPP 1972;RoccHI et al 1976;PnviPINELLI et al 1976). These acted by inducing the appearance of underspiralized areas only if supplied during the period of DNA synthesis.…”

“…It therefore seemed to us interesting in any case to try to characterize the chromatin of this organism. To this end we used in vivo two substances, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and Hoechst 33258, which induce the appearance of specific chromosomal undercondensation areas (ZAKHAROV and EGOLINA 1972;ZAKHAROV et al 1974;HILWIG and GROPP 1972;RocCHI et al 1976;PIMPINELLI et al 1976) of which the affinity for given DNA bases is known (COMINGS 1975). "Hthymidine has been used to detect the duration of G2 phase of the gonia!…”

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of chromosome banding induced in vitro

“…Apart 1976; ROCCHI et al 1976;R 0 N N E 1977;R0NNE and teins (KOSZTOLANYI and BUHLER 1978;R0NNE 1979) from localized elongation of specific chromosome areas, the reported modifications can be observed in low frequencies on slides produced from untreated samples (Fig. 1).…”

The R-banding pattern of the chinese hamster Don cell line

“…33258-Hoechst is a fluorescent benzimidazol compound which shows a specific binding to A-T rich regions in DNA (Kucherlapati et al, 1975;Goyanes & M6ndez, 1981) and produces a bright fluorescence in these areas (Rocchi et al, 1976); Hayman & Sharp, 1981). It also stains centromeric regions of mouse chromosomes, and inhibits the condensation of these areas (Rocchi et al, 1976). The addition of 33258-Hoechst fluorochrome to a cell culture interferes partially with chromosomal condensation during G 2 phase and early mitosis (prophase and metaphase), and inhibits normal metaphase condensation.…”