Development of a method for measuring cell number: application to CNS primary neuronal cultures.

In the present work we further develop a method for counting cell number that is totally independent from the permeability or uptake conditions of the cells, from the state of activation of intracellular enzymes, and from cellular metabolism. We provide a visual characterization of the method and show that it is highly suitable for cells not growing as monolayers as well as for cultures containing numerous aggregates. We also extend the applicability of this method to CNS primary neuronal cultures and show its direct comparison with alternative means for cellular quantification. The technique is fast, does not require tedious procedures or long washes, and offers advantages such as a high sensitivity and no background.