In vitro engulfment assay to measure phagocytic activity of astrocytes using synaptosomes

Abstract

Astrocytes eliminate unnecessary synapses, neural debris, and pathogenic proteins such as amyloid β plaque. Although the emerging evidences suggest that the phagocytic roles of astrocytes are critical in maintaining brain homeostasis during development as well as pathogenic conditions, the efficient assay for measuring phagocytic capacity and kinetics of astrocytes has been lacking. Here we present in vitro engulfment assay using purified astrocytes and synaptosomes. Based on imaging methods, either fluorescent or pH indicator-conjugated synaptosomes can be used in this assay.