Isolation of mouse bone marrow neutrophils by light scatter and autofluorescence

Murine bone marrow and blood cells have been analyzed and fractionated using an automated FACS II cell sorter. Using visible light scattered in the direction of (0 degrees) and perpendicular to (90 degrees) the laser beam it was possible to enrich for neutrophils (84%), immature myeloid cells (47%), and monocytes (78%). The enrichment for neutrophils was improved to 92% by using the light scattered by ultraviolet laser light (ca.360 nm). The autofluorescence at these wavelengths proved useful for obtaining further enrichment (to 97%). Indeed, three parameter sorting with 0 degrees and 90 degrees light scatter as well as autofluorescence also allowed the separation of lymphocytes (95%) and immature myeloid cells (89%). The same procedures could be applied for the isolation of neutrophils from mouse peripheral blood.