FLOW CYTOMETRYS CONTRIBUTION TO THE MEASUREMENT OF CELL FUNCTIONS

Flow cytometry has important advantages over conventional techniques. It is rapid, highly sensitive and allows multiparametric analysis and cell sorting. Potential exists for the measurement of many cell functi ons by flow cytometry. The technique can be used to determine cell via bility, intracellular calcium and pH, membrane potential, enzyme activ ities, membrane fluidity and endocytosis. Numerous examples are given on the applications of flow cytometry for cell functions measurements in the fundamental and biomedical fields.