Staining properties of a benzimidazol derivative “33258 hoechst” and a simplified staining method for chromosome banding

Abstract

SummaryTo obtain good chromosome banding with "33258 Hoechst," various conditions were examined. For fluorescence microscopy, an UV filter for excitaion and a BV filter for emission were selected from spectrofluorometric examination. "33258 Hoechst" was dissolved in distilled water and good chromosome banding was obtained when slides were stained at room temperature, for 10 to 20 minutes at the concentration between 4 ~g/ml to 0.2/~g/ml of this dye. The aging of slides before and after staining was shown to be another important factor. Chromosome banding revealed with "33258 Hoechst" represents chromosome banding corresponding to both Q-and C-bandings in a very simple way. The mechanism of chromosome banding with "33258 Hoechst" is briefly discussed.