Volume calculations are relatively straightforward with the confocal
microscope when an excluded dye (e.g. fluorescein dextran) is introduced to
the media.  We published a technique for making these calculations from 3D
reconstructions.  The technique is fairly precise, although it is difficult
to assess its accuracy.  However, this method requires a volume set of at
least 15-20 slices.  Depending on the speed of your microscope,  it may not
be fast enough for your needs.  The articles are:
 
Guilak, F.  Volume and surface area measurement of viable chondrocytes in
situ using geometric modelling of serial confocal sections.  J Microsc
173:245-256, 1994.
 
Guilak, F. Ratcliffe, A. Mow VC.  Chondrocyte deformation and local tissue
strain in articular cartilage:  A confocal microscopy study. J Orthop Res
13:410-421, 1995.
 
Farshid Guilak
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>Hi,
>
>We would like to measure changes in the volume of cultured mammalian
>cells. The changes occur in about 10-20 seconds, and we would like to
>do some kinetics studies on them. So we need fairly fast sampling rate
>(like every second or half-second). We have a ZEISS LSM that can be
>used for the experiments.
>
>Any advice, including pointers to publications on the subject would
>be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
>Laszlo Menczel
>Biological Research Center
>Szeged, Hungary
>
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