Decrease of DNA synthesis in amniotic fluid cells during the middle part of S-phase revealed by differential chromosome staining after incorporation of BrdU

Abstract

The time sequence of DNA replication in partially synchronized human amniotic fluid cells has been analysed, employing BrdU incorporation techniques.--Regardless of the interval between removal of the methotrexate/uridine block and addition of BrdU during S-phase, the treatment results in an R-type replication pattern. Conversely, replacement of BrdU containing medium by another one with thymidine yields G-type replication patterns. A thymidine pulse during the first 4 h of S-phase results in R-type replication patterns; from 7--10 h after block removal it produces G-type pattern. In between, only faint red staining dots can be found indicating a marked decrease of replicational activity during the middle part of the S-phase.