Identification of Newborn Cells by BrdU Labeling and Immunocytochemistry In Vivo

Bromodeoxyuridine, variously abbreviated as BrdU, BudR, and BrdUrd, is a halogenated thymidine analog that is permanently integrated into the DNA of dividing cells during DNA synthesis in S phase. BrdU can be immunocytochemically detected in vitro and in vivo, allowing the identification of cells that were dividing the period of BrdU exposure. In vivo, it has been used to identify the “birthdate” of cells during development, to examine the fate of postnatally generated cells, and to label cells before transplantation, for subsequent identification.