Measurement of the cell migration index with a HeNe laser

Human diploid fibroblasts (WI38) were inoculated into Rose multipurpose culture chambers, using a high population density to develop confluency. After 24 hours, cells from a 1 mm swath were scraped from the center of the chamber. This cleared path was positioned to permit an unobstructed transmission of a 0.9 X 20 mm beam of light from a 1 mW HeNe laser. As cells migrated, at 37 degrees C, into the path of the laser beam the light scatter was recorded, using a photomultiplier tube. Because the amount of light scatter was proportional to the number of cells migrating into the beam, the system measured the migration index of the cells. Slight variations in the design of this device could facilitate data collection during surveys of toxic agents, fertility tests, and delayed hypersensitivity.