Ki-67 proliferation index and expression of vimentin in three different continuous cell lines

Abstract (English)

Ki-67 is a nuclear protein which is necessary for cell cycle proliferation, while vimentin is often used as a marker of mesenchymally-derived cells 1,2. Expression of these markers can contribute to better interpretation of tumour cell proliferation and cytoarchitecture during both normal development and metastatic progression. The objective was to Determine Ki-67 proliferation index and vimentin expression by means of indirect immunofluorescence in BHK-21/C13, MCF-7 and MRC-5 continuous cell lines. The research was conducted on continuous cell lines BHK-21/C13, MCF-7 and MRC-5. The cell lines were held in incubator on 37 ºC, in atmosphere with 100% humidity and 5% CO2 during the 48h. The cells were subjected to immunofluorescence for Ki-67 and vimentin antigen. Afterwards, every cell line was photographed and the photos were processed in Fiji software. Ki-67 proliferation index and the immunofluorescence intensity of vimentin antibody have been determined. Positive expression of Ki-67 antigen was noticed in all three cell lines. Proliferation index in BHK-21/C13 was 97.01%; in MCF-7 was 90.43%; in MCR-5 was 90.58%. Vimentin intermediate filament was present in the cytoplasm of all examined cell lines. Highest values of immunofluorescence intesity for vimentin antibody were shown in BHK-21/C13, while the lowest values were shown in MCF-7. Ki-67 antigen represents a good proliferation indicator while vimentin refers well to cytoarchitecture of examined cell lines.