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Isolation and immunocytochemical characterization of human bone marrow stromal macrophages in hemopoietic clusters
S H Lee1, P R Crocker, S Westaby
1Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Stromal macrophages (M phi) have been localized in situ and isolated within erythroid clusters from human marrow. Stromal M phi arborize in an extensive network uniformly distributed throughout marrow interstitium, and express the phenotype CD4+, CD11a+, CD11c+, CD13+, CD14+, CD16+, CD18+, CD31+, CD32+, FcRI+, HLA-DR+, and CD35-, transferrin receptor-negative, and CD11b (weak). They express endocytic receptor antigens, but show significant differences in myeloid antigen expression compared with freshly harvested or cultured monocytes. Human stromal M phi are therefore specialized mature marrow M phi that are accessible for further investigations in infectious, storage, or hemopoietic disorders.
Insights
Human stromal macrophages (M phi) are specialized cells found in bone marrow. These mature M phi are accessible for studying various blood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Stromal macrophages (M phi) are critical components of the bone marrow microenvironment.
- Understanding the specific characteristics of M phi is essential for comprehending hematopoietic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenotype and distribution of stromal macrophages within the human bone marrow.
- To assess the potential of stromal M phi for further research in hematological conditions.
Main Methods:
- In situ localization of stromal M phi within human bone marrow.
- Isolation of M phi from erythroid clusters.
- Immunophenotypic analysis using a panel of cell surface markers (e.g., CD4, CD11a, CD11c, CD13, CD14, CD16, CD18, CD31, CD32, FcRI, HLA-DR, CD35, transferrin receptor, CD11b).
Main Results:
- Stromal M phi form an extensive, uniformly distributed network throughout the marrow interstitium.
- These M phi express a distinct set of myeloid and endocytic antigens, differing from freshly isolated or cultured monocytes.
- Key markers include CD4+, CD11a+, CD11c+, CD13+, CD14+, CD16+, CD18+, CD31+, CD32+, FcRI+, HLA-DR+, CD35-, transferrin receptor-negative, and weak CD11b expression.
Conclusions:
- Human stromal macrophages represent a specialized, mature population within the bone marrow.
- Their accessibility makes them valuable for investigating infectious, storage, and hematopoietic disorders.