Return to search

Evaluation of Storage Conditions for Assessing DNA Damage Using the Comet Assay

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) is a useful tool for monitoring individuals who may be at risk of DNA damage and the ensuing process of carcinogenesis or other disease states. Leukocytes in blood samples provide a means of obtaining cells for use in the comet assay. However instances may arise when samples must be stored for later analysis. The present study investigated the effects of storage conditions on DNA damage in the form of strand breaks and oxidized bases in rat and human leukocytes using the comet assay. Whole blood and buffy coat samples were stored at room temperature or 4ºC for 1, 2, 24, and 48 hours or cryopreserved at -80ºC for 1 day and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The results show that the time of storage is limited if the whole blood or buffy coat samples are stored at room temperature or 4ºC. However, if cryopreserved using glycerol or DMSO as the cryoprotectant, the samples may be stored for at least 4 weeks without DNA strand breaks or oxidative damage deviating significantly from the fresh samples.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:IUPUI/oai:scholarworks.iupui.edu:1805/653
Date02 November 2006
CreatorsVillavicencio, Dante
ContributorsKlaunig, James E., Kamendulis, Lisa M., Willis, Lynn R.
Source SetsIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format411060 bytes, application/pdf

Page generated in 0.0016 seconds