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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Quantification of Monocyte Chemotactic Activity In Vivo and Characterization of Blood Monocyte Derived Macrophages
Published on: August 12, 2019
[Dynamic changes of circulating monocyte subsets in high-NaCl diet fed mice]
Xiaotong Feng1, Yanwei Luo2, Yongqiang Ma2
1Training Base for Postgraduates, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of People's Armed Police Force, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou 121000; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Target Organ Injury, Cardiovascular Disease Institute, Heart Center, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China.
High-salt diets alter circulating monocyte subsets in mice, impacting cardiac function and blood pressure. These changes in monocytes, specifically Ly6C(high) and Ly6C(low) subsets, are linked to cardiac remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
- Dietary Science
Background:
- High-salt diets are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Monocyte subsets play crucial roles in inflammation and tissue repair.
- Understanding monocyte subset dynamics under high-salt conditions is vital for cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in circulating monocyte subsets in C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-salt diet.
- To correlate these monocyte subset alterations with changes in cardiac function and blood pressure.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6 mice were fed varying NaCl concentrations (9, 40, 80 g/L).
- Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography, and blood pressure was measured using tail-cuff plethysmography.
- Circulating monocyte subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry, and cardiac pathology was examined via HE staining.
Main Results:
- High-salt diet progressively increased systolic blood pressure.
- Cardiac ejection fraction initially increased then significantly decreased by week 12.
- Ly6C(high) monocyte subset increased then decreased, while Ly6C(low) subset showed an opposite trend; Ly6C(int) remained stable.
- HE staining revealed cardiomyocyte enlargement in high-salt groups.
Conclusions:
- Circulating monocyte subsets undergo dynamic changes in response to a high-salt diet.
- These alterations in monocyte populations are associated with detrimental effects on cardiac function and structure.
- The study highlights the intricate relationship between dietary salt intake, immune cell dynamics, and cardiovascular health.
