C57BL/6 (commonly known as “C57 Black 6,” or simply B6) is one of the most widely used inbred mouse strains in biomedical research. Established in 1921 by geneticist C.C. Little through continuous brother-sister mating of the Abby Lathrop stock, the line was later divided into C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 in 1937. In 1947, The Jackson Laboratory officially designated its colony as C57BL/6J, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) derived the C57BL/6N substrain four years later.
Genetic and Phenotypic Divergence: B6J vs. B6N
Although closely related, these two substrains have distinct genetic and phenotypic profiles:
- C57BL/6J carries a mutation in the Nnt gene, impairing glucose metabolism and altering retinal vascular branching.
- C57BL/6N harbors a Crb1rd8 allele, leading to retinal degeneration and the appearance of white fundus spots.
- Both strains share Ahl gene deletions, resulting in age-related hearing loss and heightened sensitivity to noise-induced damage.
Thanks to their well-defined genetic background, stable reproduction, and robust constitution, C57BL/6 mice have become the gold standard for studies in oncology, immunology, and genetics—particularly for generating transgenic and gene-edited models. Notably, the C57BL/6 was also the first mouse strain to have its genome fully sequenced, cementing its role as a cornerstone of modern biomedical research.
Clodronate Liposomes in C57BL/6 Macrophage Depletion Studies
Following our earlier discussions on macrophage clearance in liver, lung, intestine, and brain, this lesson highlights published research applying Clodronate Liposomes in C57BL/6 mice across diverse disease models.
1. PCSK9 and Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction
Source: PCSK9 Modulates Macrophage Polarization-Mediated Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction (IF = 3.6, Q2)
Method: C57BL/6 mice received 150 μL clodronate liposomes (5 mg/mL) via tail vein injection 24 hours before and after coronary ligation. PBS liposomes served as controls.
Results: Clodronate liposome treatment markedly reduced cardiac macrophage populations, as indicated by decreased F4/80⁺ macrophage staining in immunohistochemical analysis.
2. Alveolar Macrophage Depletion in Acute Lung Injury
Source: AdMSC-derived exosomes alleviate acute lung injury via transferring mitochondrial components to improve homeostasis of alveolar macrophages (IF = 13.3, Q1)
Method: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks old) received 100 μL intranasal administration of Clodronate Liposomes (Yeasen, Shanghai, China; CL2MBP) to deplete alveolar macrophages.
Results: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology confirmed ~90% depletion of alveolar macrophages compared with PBS-treated controls, consistent with previous findings.
3. TNF-α Receptor Roles in Choroidal Neovascularization
Source: Differential role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha receptors in the development of choroidal neovascularization (IF = 4.7, Q1)
Method: WT, Tnfrsf1a⁻/⁻, and Tnfrsf1b⁻/⁻ C57BL/6J mice received 200 μL clodronate liposome tail vein injections 2 days before and immediately after laser photocoagulation.
Results: Macrophage depletion significantly reduced CNV areas in WT and Tnfrsf1a⁻/⁻ mice, as shown by F4/80 immunostaining. Both macrophage infiltration and CNV lesion size were markedly lower in clodronate-treated groups.
4. Roquin-1 and Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Source: Roquin-1 Regulates Macrophage Immune Response and Participates in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IF = 3.4, Q2)
Method: Male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 weeks old) received 400 μL intraperitoneal injections of Clodronate Liposomes. To prevent bacterial infection following macrophage depletion, mice were given ampicillin-supplemented drinking water (1 mg/mL) until sacrifice.
Results: Immunohistochemistry(a) and flow cytometry(b) confirmed efficient depletion of Kupffer and peritoneal macrophages. Immunofluorescence double labeling (Roquin-1 in green, macrophages in red)(c) revealed Roquin-1 expression primarily in hepatic macrophages.
Empowering C57BL/6 Macrophage Research with Yeasen
To facilitate macrophage-focused immunological and pathological studies, Yeasen Biotech provides an end-to-end experimental solution platform, including:
- Macrophage Isolation & Culture Kits – preserving cell viability and function.
- Macrophage Differentiation & Polarization Tools – for studying M1/M2 phenotypes and signaling pathways.
- Clodronate Liposomes – validated across models for targeted depletion of macrophages in blood, liver, lung, brain, and other tissues.
- Immunoassay & Cytokine Detection Kits – supporting downstream functional analyses.
With Yeasen’s reliable reagent systems, researchers can build, manipulate, and analyze macrophage models with precision—driving discoveries in inflammation, immunity, and regenerative medicine.
Related Product
|
Name |
Cat. No. |
Size |
|
40337ES08/10 |
5 mL/10 mL |
|
|
40338ES08/10 |
5 mL/10 mL |