Digitized video fluorescence microscopy studies of adriamycin interaction with single P388 leukemic cells

We have evaluated a new fluorescent method, the digitized video fluorescence microscopy technique, for the analysis of Adriamycin drug levels in single-cell suspension. This method uses a Leitz microscope equipped with an HBO 50 watt mercury source; the vertical body of the microscope is attached to an intensified silicone intensifier video camera with its output coupled to a video cassette recorder and to an Apple II microcomputer equipped with a video image digitizer. Using this technique, we were able to corroborate previous findings of decreased uptake and increased efflux in resistant as compared to sensitive P388 leukemic cells. This instrument may have wide applications in the study of anthracycline cell interaction or of any other drug with fluorescent properties.