[A model for the assessment of fibroblast morphology]

A model for comprehensive assessment of morphologic parameters of a cell (area, nucleus and cytoplasm area, degree of spreading), based on the use of a scanning device, has been developed. The model comprises an original method for staining the preparations, which permits assessment of the degree of cell spreading by microdensitometry, and updating the equipment and software. The programs help assess the integral and derivative parameters, such as the area of the interface zone of a cell, the shape factor, spreading, and nucleus to cytoplasm ratio. Using this model, the effect of peripheral blood mononuclears on the morphology of transformed murine fibroblasts L929 upon a contact exposure was assessed. Addition of mononuclears to fibroblast culture led to alteration of their morphology: increase of the mean cellular area, degree of spreading, and of shape factor and reduction of the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. This was true for both the mean values and the population composition.