The usefulness of calyculin a for cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis.

An increased number of chromosome plates can be obtained by use of calyculin A (CLA). CLA is an inhibitor of protein phosphatases (type 1 and type 2A serine/threonine). Inactivation of these phosphatases leads to premature chromosome condensation (PCC) in all phases of the cell cycle; thus, it is possible to investigate both metaphase and G(2)-PCC chromosomes.

Subfertile couple with inv(2),inv(9) and 16qh+.

This case report presents two chromosomal inversions in one of partners from a subfertile couple. The woman was referred due to a spontaneous abortion in the 5th week of pregnancy. Cytogenetic examination showed that the proband's karyotype was normal: 46,XX,16qh+, as centromeric heterochromatin is thought to be clinically insignificant.

The influence of calyculin A on lymphocytes in vitro.

Human lymphocytes were cultured in vitro and treated with calyculin A. The aim of this work was to estimate the influence of calyculin A on chromosome morphology and banding patterns. It was also interesting whether calyculin A treatment is useful in cytogenetic analysis of human karyotype.