A novel method for eliminating the melanin pigments from melanoma cells undergoing cytogenetic analysis in cases of uveal melanoma

A method has been developed to eliminate melanin pigments from chromosomal plates of uveal melanoma tumors. On preparing the chromosomal plates of tumor masses of posterior uveal melanoma for cytogenetic analysis in intermediate pigmented population, it was found that the melanin pigments obscured the cells and thereby the chromosomes. Thus, cytogenetic analysis could not be carried out. Hence. a method was developed in our laboratory to eliminate these obscuring pigments. Several different attempts were made to eliminate the melanin pigments. Finally, washing the cells with phosphate: buffered saline before the harvesting stage served the purpose. After harvesting and preparing the chromosomal plates, the cells were found to be devoid of melanin pigments. Thr protocol would help researchers trying to carry out cytogenetic analysis on melanoma tumor masses in populations with intermediate to dark pigmentation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.