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Isolation of Brain and Spinal Cord Mononuclear Cells Using Percoll Gradients
09:58

Isolation of Brain and Spinal Cord Mononuclear Cells Using Percoll Gradients

Published on: February 2, 2011

Is Percoll innocuous to cells?

J S Wakefield, J S Gale, M V Berridge

    The Biochemical Journal
    |March 15, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Percoll particles are ingested by macrophages, Kupffer cells, and Leydig cells, affecting cell adherence. This density medium may impact cell surface interactions and functions.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell biology
    • Immunology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Percoll is a density gradient medium used for cell and organelle separation.
    • Immune cells like macrophages and Kupffer cells play crucial roles in host defense.
    • Leydig cells are vital for testosterone production in the testes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the interaction of Percoll particles with specific cell types.
    • To assess the effect of Percoll exposure on macrophage adherence.
    • To explore potential mechanisms underlying Percoll's impact on cell surface properties.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of peritoneal macrophages (mice), Kupffer cells (rats), and Leydig cells (rats).
    • Exposure of isolated cells to Percoll particles.
    • Assessment of cell adherence to plastic surfaces.
    • Evaluation of Percoll ingestion by cells at different temperatures.

    Main Results:

    • Macrophages, Kupffer cells, and Leydig cells ingested significant amounts of Percoll particles.
    • Percoll exposure reduced macrophage adherence to plastic, even at low temperatures.
    • Percoll's effect on adherence may involve transient cell surface interactions.

    Conclusions:

    • Percoll particles are readily ingested by key immune and endocrine cells.
    • Percoll can negatively impact macrophage adherence, suggesting cell surface alterations.
    • Further research is needed to understand the broader implications of Percoll on cell function.

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