Macrophages are cells differentiated from circulating bone marrow-derived monocytes. In the bone marrow and subsequestly in the blood and tissues, monocytes undergo a cascade of maturation that culminate in morphologically and functionally mature tissue macrophages. The main function of macrophages is to remove cellular debris and destroy invading pathogens. They phagocytize invading microorganisms, and scavenge dead, damaged cells and cellular debris. Macrophages can be identified by the specific expression of several cell surface proteins including CD14, CD11b, F4/80 (mice)/EMR1 (human), MAC-1/MAC-3, and CD68 by flow cytometry or immunohistochemical staining. RMa-bm from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from adult rat bone marrow. RMa-bm are harvested at P0 and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 106 cells in 1 ml volume. RMa-bm are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to F4/80. RMa-bm are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RMa-bm are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, RMa-bm are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures since the cells do not proliferate in regular culture. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Macrophage Medium (MaM, Cat. #1921) for culturing RMa-bm in vitro.