TCPP

Analysis of the cellular content of sputum via flow cytometry in order to develop a diagnostic platform for lung cancer. Conclusion: Sputum-derived cells were stained with the porphyrin dye (TCPP) and several differences were revealed when comparing sputum from persons with confirmed lung cancer versus those at high-risk of developing lung cancer. Notes: Three-day sputum collection from persons aged 55-74 with at least a 3- pack-year cigarette smoking history at high-risk of developing lung cancer. Debris was omitted by defining the initial light scatter gate by using beads of known diameter. Particulates smaller than 5 um and larger than 30 um were omited from furhter analysis. Dead cells were excluded by the addition of a viability stain. The presence of Alveolar (CD45+ CD206++) and Interstitial macrophages (CD45+ CD206+) indicate the sample was derived from deep within the lung and not cells from the oral cavity.