Comparative analysis of topographic distribution of acetylated histone H4 by using confocal microscopy and a deconvolution system

Recent data demonstrate the close links between histone acetylation and basic cell processes. The spatial distribution of acetylated histone H4 was studied using two three-dimensional microscopical systems, confocal microscopy and a deconvolution system. Both systems provide satisfactory three-dimensional digital images. Acetylation of histone H4 at lysine 5 occurred throughout the whole nucleus except for the nucleolus, and highly acetylated regions clustered close to the surface of the nucleus. Internal details of these regions, invisible by confocal microscopy, were revealed by the deconvolution system. On the other hand, the deconvolution system failed to detect scattered nuclear signals which were clearly observed by the confocal microscopy. Deconvolution of the images obtained by confocal microscopy made the image a little clearer, but was not particularly useful.