A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release

J Vis Exp. 2016 Nov 21:(117):54726. doi: 10.3791/54726.

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps are networks of DNA, histones and neutrophil proteins released in response to infectious and inflammatory stimuli. Although a component of the innate immune response, NETs are implicated in a range of disease processes including autoimmunity and thrombosis. This protocol describes a simple method for canine neutrophil isolation and quantification of NETs using a microplate fluorescence assay. Blood is collected using conventional venipuncture techniques. Neutrophils are isolated using dextran sedimentation and a density gradient using conditions optimized for dog blood. After allowing time for attachment to the wells of a 96 well plate, neutrophils are treated with NET-inducing agonists such as phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate or platelet activating factor. DNA release is measured by the fluorescence of a cell-impermeable nucleic acid dye. This assay is a simple, inexpensive method for quantifying NET release, but NET formation rather than other causes of cell death must be confirmed with alternative methods.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay*
  • Dogs
  • Extracellular Traps*
  • Fluorescence*
  • Neutrophils*