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You can't mess with the pH since the chondrocytes change pH as they
differentiate.  Roy Wuthier (U South Carolina) did some of that back in '95,
check his publications.

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Jones [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 4:11 am
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Flourescein ph for cartilage


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Hi all,
I've just started a research program that utilises CLSM to image
chondrocytes
in articular cartilage. It's very early days at this stage.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with using flourescein as a
contrast
agent when imaging chondrocytes in articular cartilage.  Specifically if
anyone
has tried varying ph levels in order to achieve deeper penetration.
Essentially I'm trying to figure out the best concentration/osmolarity
relationship given that the experiment we are conducting only allows
relatively
short immersion time (and will hopefully be conducted in vivo - eventually).

Any suggestions for relevant dyeing protocols would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Jones
Ph.D. Student
Dept. Mechanincal Engineering
University of Western Australia