Flow Cytometry in Neuroscience Research

Flow cytometry has been used for numerous applications in immunology, cell biology, and neuroscience research (de Graaf, et al. 2011). With the development of higher sensitivity instrumentation and smaller numbers of cells required, flow cytometry has become an adjunctive methodology for studies of the interface between peripheral immune cells and the nervous system Schwatrz and Kipnis, 2011 (Ref). In this chapter, we will explore the use of flow cytometry to assess and isolate lymphoid cells associated with neuronal injury as well as how this approach would prove helpful in on the identification of neuronal cells. In addition, isolation of cells by other means will be discussed.