Purification of Schwann cells from adult rats by differential detachment

Differential detachment by collagenase treatment is a new and efficient method for Schwann cell (SC) purification. As its effect on adult animals remains unclear, we have investigated the possibility of SC purification from adult rats. To avoid any systematic bias, Schwann cell purity before and after purification were compared by morphology, immunostaining of P75(NTR) and S100 and flow cytometric analysis. The final SC purities reached 99% as confirmed by three independent analyses SC purity and the cell yields were above 10(6) cells after two rounds of purification. The method of differential detachment is also suitable for SC purification in adult rats and could be useful for research and clinical applications.