Morphologic description of Y79 retinoblastoma cells by a simple image analysis system

Abstract

When attached Y79 retinoblastoma cells are exposed to different culture conditions they seem to differentiate along distinct pathways. These changes are associated with characteristic alterations in shape. Shape change in a complex culture is difficult to quantify by visual observation. Therefore, we have been developing a method, using a computerized image analysis system, for describing the overall morphology of cultured cells. Images from the microscope are digitized and presented on a monitor that has a high resolution touch screen attached. Individual cells are then traced, and the perimeter, area, and P2/A (the perimeter squared divided by the area) are calculated. The data are then used to generate histograms of the three descriptors for each of the culture conditions. As a test of the procedure, we have compared the data obtained from Y79 cells grown on polylysine-coated plates in serum-free medium with and without 2 mM sodium butyrate. Significant differences in the parameters have been demonstrated.