Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Imaging of Living Cells

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Microscopy Techniques

Background:

• Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy, also known as Nomarski microscopy, is crucial for visualizing unstained live cells and organelles.
• DIC microscopy offers valuable data that can complement fluorescence microscopy findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a protocol for electronically enhanced DIC imaging of living cells.
• To present methods for DIC imaging using inverted microscopes and infrared (IR) imaging of brain slices using upright microscopes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing electronically enhanced DIC microscopy for live cell studies.
• Employing inverted microscopes for DIC imaging of cells.
• Using upright microscopes for IR imaging of brain slices.

Main Results:

• High-quality images of living cells and cellular organelles in unstained tissue.
• Successful application of DIC microscopy to cell cultures, brain slices, and embryos.
• Achieving high-quality images of living cells in brain slices through combined DIC optics and IR video microscopy.

Conclusions:

• Electronically enhanced DIC microscopy is a powerful tool for live cell imaging.
• This technique is versatile, applicable to various biological samples including cell cultures and brain slices.
• Combining DIC and IR microscopy enhances imaging quality for delicate biological specimens.