Fe-x Ga-(1−x)BO-3 single crystals: synthesis and characterization

A series of Fe-x Ga-(1-x)BO-3 single crystals in the concentration range 0<=x<=1 has been synthesized by solution in the melt method. In order to determine optimal crystallization regimes, two settings have been worked out and applied in the present study: the first one, for precise differential thermal analysis and the second one, for the probe method. X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analysis have allowed accurate determination of iron contents and lattice parameters for synthesized crystals with different x. Computer-assisted EPR studies of Fe+(3+) have revealed a high perfection of the crystals: low degree of disorder and the absence of twinning

Multiparametric analysis of cells with different mitochondrial membrane potential during apoptosis by polychromatic flow cytometry.

The analysis of changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) that can occur during apoptosis provides precious information on the mechanisms and pathways of cell death. For many years, the metachromatic fluorochrome JC-1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide) was used for this purpose. Thanks to new dyes and to the technical improvements recently adopted in several flow cytometers, it is now possible to investigate, along with MMP, a variety of other parameters. Using three sources of excitation and polychromatic flow cytometry, we have developed a protocol that can be applied to cells undergoing apoptosis. In the model of U937 cells incubated with the chemopreventive agent quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), we describe the detection at the single cell level of changes in MMP (by JC-1), early apoptosis (exposition of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane detected by annexin-V), late apoptosis and secondary necrosis (decreased DNA content by Hoechst 33342 and permeability of the plasma membrane to propidium iodide). The procedure can be completed in less than 2 h