Biochemical quantification of DNA in human articular and septal cartilage using PicoGreen® and Hoechst 33258

Objective: To compare two fluorometric assays, utilizing (1) the bisbenzimidazole Hoechst 33258 and (2) PicoGreen(R), for determining DNA content in human cartilage. Methods: Human articular and nasal septal cartilage explants were digested using proteinase K. Portions of sample digest were analysed for intrinsic and dye-enhanced fluorescence with either Hoechst 33258 or PicoGreen(R). Results: Intrinsic tissue fluorescence in both articular and septal cartilage increased with age and was prominent at wavelengths used for Hoechst 33258 but relatively low at wavelengths used for PicoGreen(R). The relative contribution of intrinsic fluorescence to total dye-enhanced fluorescence of human cartilage was markedly greater for Hoechst 33258 (19-57%) than for PicoGreen(R) (2-7%). Thus, in many situations, DNA in human cartilage can be assayed using PicoGreen(R) without the need to correct for intrinsic cartilage fluorescence. The enhancement of fluorescence by each dye was found to be specific for DNA, as shown by fluorescence spectra, >90% sensitivity to DNase, and resistance to RNase. In addition, little or no interference was caused by non-DNA tissue components, since DNA caused an equal enhancement in the absence or presence of proteinase K digested human cartilage, once intrinsic cartilage fluorescence was subtracted. PicoGreen(R) was more sensitive for assaying DNA (0.9 ng DNA/ml) than Hoechst 33258 (6 ng DNA/ml) and can also be used in a microplate reader. Conclusion: PicoGreen(R) can be used in a rapid and sensitive assay to quantify DNA in small samples of human cartilage. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of OsteoArthritis Research Society International.