CNS microvascular pericytes express macrophage-like function, cell surface integrin alpha M, and macrophage marker ED-2.
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.
Balabanov
R
R
Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
Washington
R
R
Wagnerova
J
J
Dore-Duffy
P
P
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply*; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D018845:CD11 Antigens