An improved method of unit gravity sedimentation separation for murine peritoneal macrophage populations

A new method for the separation of murine peritoneal macrophage populations is described. Different macrophage populations were separated by velocity sedimentation in a Percoll gradient. The macrophages were separated by size as was shown by a morphometrical analysis. The different macrophage populations differed in their enzyme cytochemical profile. The overall recovery of peritoneal cells is more than 95% and the macrophages adhered normally to glass surfaces after washing. This indicated that this l X g sedimentation separation of macrophages, which is relatively simple to perform, is suitable for the study of macrophage heterogeneity.