Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells

Rapid isolation of CNS tissues including the meninges allows for a comprehensive analysis of immune cell phenotype, function, and localization in homeostatic and pathogenic conditions. The two demonstrated methods allow for the quick extraction of CNS tissues with the meninges, ideal for downstream analysis using single cell techniques and histological methods. Although the representative results focus on the analysis of immune cells, these two methods can be used to analyze CNS resident cells, including microglia, astrocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, stromal cells, and neurons.

Begin by isolating brain and spinal cord samples from euthanized mice. After removing the head, make a midline incision in the skin and flip it over the eyes to free the skull. Cut at the nasal bone to release the mandible from the skull.