Vnitr Lek 1992, 38(2):173-176

[Detection of HLA-DR antigens using the ethidium bromide fluorescence test].

A Májský: Ustav hematologie a krevní transfúze, Praha.

HLA-DR antigens were examined in peripheral lymphocytes by means of a one-colour fluorescent microcytotoxic test using ethidium-bromide. Evidence of HLA-DR antigens was equally reliable as the two-colour fluorescent test. Contrary to the latter, however, faint non-specific positive results were obtained in sera not containing HLA-DR antibodies. This is caused probably by the fact that ethidium-bromide penetrates into cells with a very slightly damaged membrane. This reduces substantially the possibility of introduction of the method into common practice.