FLOW CYTOMETRY
Puerto Rico’s most advanced Flow Cytometry unit is located within the laboratories of the AIDS Research Program at the Ponce School of Medicine. Established in 1988, the unit provides the state-of-the-art facility for qualitative and quantitative cellular analysis. Our Department utilizes the best, most recent technology in the field of biomedical research today; our highly qualified investigators, students, and technical personnel have mastered the required techniques to successfully perform the most innovative studies.
BD FACSCalibur Station: A six-channel, four-color flow cytometer.
Current Studies:
Flow Cytometry is a very versatile technique that has broadened the spectrum of our research possibilities. The focus of our research deals with Immunology and Virology in relation to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Specifically, we examine the immunological response of HIV(+) and HCV(+) individuals and its implication in disease progression, transmission risk, and the menace of opportunistic pathogenesis. Our most recent work looks at specific responses to viral peptides in comparison with non-specific responses mediated by mitogens, cell surface molecule expression, cytokine production, and the behavior of monocytes and T-lymphocyte subsets. Other studies include the effect of alcohol on the CXCR4 and CCR5 coreceptor and the effect of drug (cocaine, heroin, and methadone) abuse in the expression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
BD FACSAria Station: A cell sorter system that enables multicolor analysis of up to 13 fluorecent markers and two scatter parameters at a time.
Available Services:
Sample Acquisition and Data Analysis
Our personnel and equipment are available to provide sample acquisition and data-analysis services for researchers from other laboratories.
Immunoprofiling
T-lymphocyte CD4 and CD8 subset counts are performed from whole blood or PBMC assays, upon request.
