Density Gradients for Isolation of Mononuclear Blood Cells for Magnesium Analysis by Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis

摘要

Magnesium in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (MBC) may be a useful indicator of intracellular Mg status. We present a mononuclear blood cell (MBC) isolation method for magnesium analysis by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. We compare the inorganic elemental composition of individual MBC isolated by either arabinogalactan (Stractan) or conventional Ficoll-Hypaque density gradients. We find that the MBC isolated with Stractan have the expected cellular element composition, but MBC isolated Ficoll-Hypaque are contaminated with iodine and sodium. We discuss the source and significance of iodine and sodium contamination of Ficoll-Hypaque isolated MBC and recommend the Stractan separation method for electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Key Words: Mononuclear blood cells; Density gradient separation; Electron probe; Arabinogalactan; Reprints.