I need to check transduction efficiency by using fluorescent microscope in the other building, however, I do not want my cells die during the process. A colleague doing research on immune cells told me to keep cells on ice could prevent cell death. I understand that by putting cells on ice, the metabolic activities are slowed down, but as we culture the cells in 37℃ incubator, I do not understand why we should put cells on ice to prevent cell death. When taking cells out from the incubator, if we let them cool down to RT, then put on ice, the culture plates are exposed to the environment (though with the lid on), the longer they exposed, the more chance of contamination; but if we put plates directly on ice after taking out from 37℃ incubator, would it give the cells a cold stress and result in a lowered viability?
It is more than welcomed if you can share your experience and opinions on handling the cells for following experiments on live cells. If you have any suggestions for me, it is highly appreciated!
Low temperature reduced not only metabolic activities but also apoptosis which is the most significant causes of cell death. Changes in temperature, pH, CO2 concentration, light etc. result in apoptosis. So when cells are placed on ice, apoptosis still occur but in a much lower speed, compared to on RT.
That's my opinion.
For imagine right? If the cells are not trypsinized, room temperature is fine for short times.
Hello Yang Xiao ,
When i work with blood cells ( primary ) , i always keep cells in ice . I have bitter experience of getting more lysed cells because of not keeping cells in ice.
For normal cell culture based work or imaging purpose , you can keep cells in room temperatures. But remember one point, unless you have exact cultural condition ( microenvironment ) , it's better to keep around ice.
Best regards,
Babu
@yang Xiao I have compared with Erythrocyte and there were significant difference. I didn't tried for secondary cell line . But, we keep maintaining in ice environment.
I do agree with Mr. GG Jignesh , it might not differ much in term of imaging.
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