RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cell Harvesting Method Influences Results of Apoptosis Analysis by Annexin V Staining JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3201 OP 3204 VO 33 IS 8 A1 ANNIKA BUNDSCHERER A1 MANUELA MALSY A1 RENATE LANGE A1 PETRA HOFMANN A1 THOMAS METTERLEIN A1 BERNHARD M GRAF A1 MICHAEL GRUBER YR 2013 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/33/8/3201.abstract AB Background: Annexin V staining is a common tool in apoptosis analysis. However, in adherently growing cell lines, substantial experimental bias could be introduced by membrane damage during the harvesting process. We investigated the influence of three different harvesting methods on the cell membrane integrity of six malignant cell lines. Materials and Methods: Six malignant cell lines were detached enzymatically by standard trypsinization or mechanically by scraping or wash-down by water jet. Membrane damage was measured by annexin V staining. Results: Three out of six cell lines (Mel-Ho, SW480 and PaTu 8988t) were not susceptible to membrane damage long the mothods used here. In HT 29, PANC 1 and A-673 cell lines, a high percentage of cells were stained positively for annexin V after mechanical detachment. These cells would wrongly be declared apoptotic cells. Conclusion: To avoid substantial experimental bias caused by membrane damage, we recommend pre-testing of different harvesting methods before performing apoptosis analysis.