Dear Minsha;
Although anti-CD11b is specifically stain microglial cells in the cerebral tissue, however the mentioned antibody will stain other monocytes and granulocytes in the area. Plz find the attached file for more additional support. Best of luck.
In humans, we found expression of the glutamate transporter 1 (EAAT1) to be somehow helpful in distinguishing (activated) microglia from infiltrating blood-derived monocytes:
- resting/surveyling microglia are negative, activated (amoeboid) microglia do express EAAT1.
- foamy macrophages and perivascular monocytes lack EAAT1.
However, especially in a perivascular localization, EAAT1 does not help to distinguish the source of (foamy) macrophages as all foamy macrophages were EAAT1-negativ (following ischaemia or trauma). Thus, microglia seems to loos EAAT1 expression during activation/differentiation to foamy macrophages. Furthermore, EAAT1 is also expressed by activated astrocytes. This definitly limits the value of EAAT1 in this context but I am not aware of a better marker to adress your question.
Thank you both Hemn Othman and Rudi Beschorner for your suggestions!!
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