Protocol for X-ray irradiation of C57BL/6J recipient mice followed by the transplantation of mTomato-expressing bone marrow cells

STAR Protoc. 2024 Dec 18;6(1):103504. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103504. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Bone marrow chimera is a useful tool to determine the pathophysiological contributions of hematopoietic versus stromal compartments. Here, we present a protocol for lethal irradiation of wild-type C57BL/6J recipient mice followed by the transplantation of bone marrow from mTomato-expressing donors. We then detail procedures for animal distress scoring and assessment of reconstitution efficiency. This protocol will minimize distress and ensure efficient hematopoietic reconstitution of donor cells in recipients.

Keywords: cell biology; cell isolation; immunology; model organisms.