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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Digestion of Whole Mouse Eyes for Multi-Parameter Flow Cytometric Analysis of Mononuclear Phagocytes
Published on: June 17, 2020
The Mononuclear Phagocyte System of the Rat
David A Hume1, Melanie Caruso2, Sahar Keshvari2
1Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia David.Hume@uq.edu.au Katharine.Irvine@uq.edu.au.
Abstract:
The laboratory rat continues to be the model of choice for many studies of physiology, behavior, and complex human diseases. Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS; monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells) are abundant residents in every tissue in the body and regulate postnatal development, homeostasis, and innate and acquired immunity. Recruitment and proliferation of MPS cells is an essential component of both initiation and resolution of inflammation. The large majority of current knowledge of MPS biology is derived from studies of inbred mice, but advances in technology and resources have eliminated many of the advantages of the mouse as a model. In this article, we review the tools available and the current state of knowledge of development, homeostasis, regulation, and diversity within the MPS of the rat.
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