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 [log in to unmask] --------------------- >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 > >[log in to unmask]