Meningeal whole mount preparation and characterization of neural cells by flow cytometry.

Neuroimmunologists aim to understand the interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. The meninges, contrary to the brain parenchyma, are populated by numerous immune cells. Soluble factors produced by these cells are capable to diffuse into the brain parenchyma and influence the brain cells within the parenchyma, including neurons. In this unit, we will describe two protocols: analysis the meningeal compartment of rodents and the use flow cytometry to study the cells of the brain parenchyma (particularly neurons).