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In Vitro Phagocytosis of Myelin Debris by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages
12:27

In Vitro Phagocytosis of Myelin Debris by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

Published on: December 30, 2017

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In Vitro Phagocytosis of Myelin Debris by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

Alyssa J Rolfe1, Dale B Bosco1, Erynn N Broussard1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University.

Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|January 25, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) are key phagocytes that clear debris in the central nervous system (CNS) after injury. This study provides protocols for studying BMDM myelin phagocytosis in vitro.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) are professional phagocytes crucial for clearing cellular debris.
  • BMDMs are normally excluded from the central nervous system (CNS) but infiltrate after injury.
  • These macrophages clear myelin debris in the injured CNS, with complex, poorly understood neuropathological consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish protocols for the direct in vitro study of BMDMs in the context of CNS injury.
  • To enable detailed investigation of BMDM infiltration and myelin debris phagocytosis within the CNS.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and culture of murine BMDMs.
  • Preparation of myelin debris.
  • Assays to quantify BMDM phagocytosis of myelin debris.

Main Results:

  • The described techniques yield robust and quantifiable results.
  • Minimal specialized equipment or materials are required.
  • The protocols are customizable for various research needs.

Conclusions:

  • The provided methods facilitate in vitro study of BMDM-mediated myelin debris clearance in CNS injury models.
  • These protocols offer a valuable tool for researchers investigating neuroinflammation and neuropathology.
  • Understanding BMDM roles in CNS injury is critical for developing therapeutic strategies.

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