A new method for histological microdissection utilizing an ultrasonically oscillating needle - Demonstrated by differential mRNA expression in human lung carcinoma tissue

Molecular analysis of microdissected tissue samples is used for analyzing t issue heterogeneity of histological specimens. We have developed a rapid on e-step microdissection technique, which was applied for the selective procu rement of tissue areas down to a minimum of 10 cell profiles, The special f eatures of our microdissection system consist of an ultrasonically oscillat ing needle and a piezo-driven micropipette. The validity of this technique is demonstrated in human lung large-cell carcinoma by real-time quantitativ e reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays of vimentin, cycli n D1, and carcinoembryonic antigen after linear RNA amplification. mRNA exp ression values of microdissected samples scattered around those of bulk tum or tissue and showed differential mRNA expression between samples of tumor parenchyma and supportive stromal cells for vimentin and carcinoembryonic a ntigen as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, this procedure requires simple equipment, is easily performed, and delivers microdissected tissue samples of oligo-cellular clusters suitable for further molecular a nalysis.