Why Does Fluorescence Decrease During the Lag Phase in 3T3 Cell Growth Curves?

[Redmac]

Hi All,

Having plotted a cell growth curve (fluorescence vs days), I have found that during the lag phase, the fluorescence values decrease. I haven't come across this previously during lectures and can't seem to find any examples online to help explain it. My only thought was that cell death occurred at a higher rate than replication whilst the cells were attaching to the culture flask but the decrease occurs between 1 and 3 days so this doesn't seem like a possible explanation. As a side note, 3T3 cells were being used during the experiment.

I'd appreciate any advice on this or resources that may be useful.

Many Thanks

 

[aroc91]

Have you run statistical analysis on the fluorescence values? Is it statistically significant decrease? Can you provide the raw data? It could just be normal variance or noise that you're interpreting as a decrease.