Use of Flow Cytometry and Combined DNA Surface Staining for Analysis of Hematopoietic Development in the Xenopus Embryo

Xenopus embryos provide a model for studying the earliest stages in the development of the vertebrate hematopoietic system. This chapter provides detailed procedures describing the production of hematopoietic chimeras in Xenopus embryos and the analysis of these chimeras using flow cytometry. Protocols for analysis include the determination of deoxyribonucleic acid content of hematopoietic cells, staining of cells with antibodies against cell surface antigens and the combined analysis of deoxyribonucleic content and cell surface phenotype. Examples of data that can be expected are included.