Rapid identification of chromosomes carrying silver-stained nucleolus-organizing regions: application to case of 21/21 Robertsonian translocation

Abstract

The use of a combination of transmitted light and epiluminescence after silver and fluorescent staining of chromosome preparations makes it possible to achieve simultaneous visualization of silver-stained NORs and flourescent chromosomes. This technique permits exact localization of silver precipitates on normal and BrdU-substituted chromosomes. After previous silver impregnation, fluorescent staining by actinomycin-daunomycin-DAPI was used to induce a banding pattern that enables identification of specific chromosomes while observing silver-stained NORs at the same time. Application of this method to a Down's syndrome patient revealed a 21/21 Robertsonian translocation with NOR'S eliminated.