A rapid automated stathmokinetic method for determination of in vitro cell cycle transit times

To provide a rapid method for examining cell cycle dynamics, we utilized continuous exposure of Chinese hamster ovary cells and human colon cancer cells to colcemid to block cycling cells in metaphase, suppressing re-entry into G1. Changes in cell cycle compartment distribution were monitored by DNA flow cytometry. Analysis of the rate of G2 + M compartment accumulation after addition of colcemid permitted calculation of all cycle transit parameters. These compared favorably with data in the same cell lines determined by the fraction of labeled mitoses technique. Serial assessment of DNA flow cytometry after addition of colcemid permits rapid quantitation of cycle traverse rates.