As part of my research work, I have to perform apoptosis assay with animal tissues. I wish to know, whether Propidium Iodide uptake assay be done in rat heart/ liver tissues.
I doubt for use of PI for apoptosis assay. PI can't be used for apoptosis in cells.. We use Annexin for apoptosis detection in cells and PI is used for necrosis detection. The preferable method for apoptosis detection in tissues is by Tunnel assay..I will recommend you to opt for that.
I think IP assay can be done in almost any tipe of cells because its a DNA intercalating agent. Take account that IP cannot enter into viable cells because of the cell membrane. When membrane has been damaged (necrosis), IP interacts with DNA. Then, IP it's a necrotic marker.
You can analyse via FACS staining with IP and Annexin and identify necrotic and apoptotic cells.
I agree with Ajay. Tunnel assay is worth a try. If your working with whole tissues, as I understand from the question, then the tissues are fixed and no longer viable. Everything will light up with PI just like with the commonly used DAPI stain for nuclei.