Phenotypic investigation of mononuclear phagocytes by flow cytometry

A simple and rapid method for the phenotypic analysis of mononuclear phagocytes is described. Using flow cytometry, surface markers, as well as intracellular antigens and DNA content of peripheral blood monocytes, or differentiated monocytic cells could be analysed. Furthermore, the method has been of use in several species and is therefore not restricted to applications in humans. Different modes of data acquisition and analysis were compared and are discussed.