А theoretical and practical Flow Cytometry course was organized by ReProForce programme. The course was held on October 25-26, 2012 in the Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction (IBIR-BAS), Sofia. More than forty researchers and PhD students from Institutes of BAS, the Faculty of Biology – Sofia University, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Forestry - Sofia, the Institute of Animal Breeding - Kostinbrod, the Agriculture Institute - Shumen, the Agriculture Institute – Plovdiv, clinicians and embryologists from “Tokuda Hospital”,-Sofia, “Kaspela Hospital” and “ Pulmed Hospital” – Plovdiv, Medical centers “Nadejda” and Reprobiomed”-Sofia, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital “ Selena” – Plovdiv participated in the course.

The event started with a welcome speech of the ReProForce project manager Assoc. Prof. M. Mollova who greeted the participants and briefly presented the purpose and objectives of ReProForce programme.

The course included two thematic days with theoretical and practical parts each. The first day was focused on some applications of flow cytometry including immunophenotyping, proliferation and apoptosis assays of immune and tumor cells. In the introductory lecture Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Oreshkova presented FACSCalibur instrument overview and functioning, measurement of physical and chemical characteristics of single cells and specialized programs for analysis.
In the practical part, a demonstration of cell sample preparation, antibodies and dyes labeling of cells, instrument (FACSCalibur) calibration and sample analyses - immunophenotyping, proliferation and apoptosis of immune and tumor cells was performed.

The second day the participants` attention was focused on main approaches for studying of male gametes quality by flow cytometry. In the theoretical part Dr. Soren Hayrabedyan presented the theoretical and methodological basis for research of male gametes quality in man and animals. The parameters such as cell vitality, apoptotic changes, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen forms, acrosome and capacitation status, mitochondrial potential, number and size of sperm cells were considered. The practical demonstration included analysis of some parameters comparing ejaculates from different animals and control cells obtained from a standard cell line.

At the end of the course, certificates for attendance were given to the participants.

The attendance of colleagues from partners’ organizations from BAN as well as scientists and clinicians from potential partner centers was essential for the establishment and expansion of the existing national scientific cooperation network within ReProForce project. All participants were invited for new joint research projects using equipment of the institute purchased by the funding of ReProForce and Infrastructure projects.