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CNS microvascular pericytes express macrophage-like function, cell surface integrin alpha M, and macrophage marker ED-2.

R Balabanov·R Washington·J Wagnerova·P Dore-Duffy
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Abstract

CNS pericytes are an integral part of the blood-brain (BBB), but their function is not well understood. We questioned whether primary cultured CNS pericytes have immune potential. Primary cultured pericytes exhibit phagocytic activity when exposed to fluorochrome-conjugated polystyrene beads and antibody-coated zymosan. Maximum phagocytic activity occurred by 3 hr. Pericytes were found to express the macrophage markers ED-2 and the integrin subunit CD11b (alpha M) in culture as well as on isolated microvessels. Pericytes did not express the macrophage marker ED-1. We confirm the heterogeneity of cultured CNS pericytes with regard to expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. In conclusion, pericytes express macrophage surface antigens and have the ability to perform at least some immune function. CNS pericytes may therefore have a role in neuroimmune networks at the BBB.

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AnimalsAntigens, SurfaceBrainCD11 AntigensCell DifferentiationCells, CulturedFemaleFlow CytometryMacrophagesMicrocirculationRatsRats, Sprague-DawleyJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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R Balabanov, R Washington, J Wagnerova, P Dore-Duffy. 1996. CNS microvascular pericytes express macrophage-like function, cell surface integrin alpha M, and macrophage marker ED-2.. https://doi.org/10.1006/mvre.1996.0049

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