Immunocytochemical cell identification in nervous system culture combined with intracellular injection of a blue fluorescing dye (SITS).

SITS, a stilbene isothiocyanate derivative, was injected by iontophoresis into neurons and oligodendrocytes in cultures of mouse spinal cord. The dye readily stains the entire cell. When excited with ultraviolet light it emits a blue fluorescence. Thus, SITS-injected cells may be distinguished from those injected with Lucifer yellow CH. Furthermore, the blue cells can be identified in culture after the cells have been labeled with two different antibodies using rhodamine (TRITC) or fluorescein (FITC) as fluorochromes by the use of appropriate filter combinations.