Histologic analysis of cellular infiltrations in the liver of TAM^−/− mice.

Abstract

<p>(A) H&E staining of paraffin-embedded liver sections of TAM^−/− mice at the indicated ages. M1, M6 and M12 represent the liver sections of 1, 6 and 12 month-old mice respectively. Note a progression of cellular infiltrations in the liver as TAM^−/− mice aged. Arrows indicate focal infiltrates. (B) Characterization of infiltrated lymphocytes. Immunofluorescence was performed using FITC-conjugated antibodies against lymphocyte markers. Note that the infiltrated lymphocytes predominantly consist of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. (C) Quantitatively analysis of lymphocytes. The cells were labeled with FITC-conjugated antibodies against CD4, CD8 and B220, and subsequently subject to flow cytometry. (D) Identification of macrophages. Immunohistochemistry was used for the identification of total macrophages (F4/80⁺), circulating macrophages (ED1⁺) and resident macrophages (ED2⁺). Note that the macrophages consist of resident and infiltrated cells in the liver of TAM^−/− mice, whereas only resident macrophages were observed in WT controls. Frozen liver sections of 10-month-old mice were used for the immune staining. Images are representatives of at least 5 mice. Scale bar  = 20 µm.</p