Methods of studying monocyte transmigration in norm and pathology

The aim of the work is to analyze modern methods of studying the migration of monocytes from blood vessels to tissues. Material and methods. 59 sources were selected in the Pubmed database by key queries related to the migration of monocytes and leukocytes. The selection criterion was the description of the process of the movement of monocytes (transmigration) through the endothelial barrier in vitro or in vivo . Results and discussion. The mechanisms of monocyte transmigration are summarized. A comparison of in vitro (Boyden chamber, µ-slides, microfluidic systems) methods of studying migration was carried out according to a number of criteria. The Boyden chamber is the simplest and most common method, widely used to test the effect of therapy on monocytes. Real-time transmigration observation is possible using real-time cell assay migration cells and µ-slides with a viewing field, which is widely used to evaluate cell morphological properties. Microfluidic systems have enabled the creation of complex systems capable of mimicking the circulatory system; however, this method is not standardized and is complex to manufacture in laboratory conditions. To assess the representativeness of the experimental models, data on the study of in vivo migration are presented – fluorescent labeling of cells, nuclear tomography, bioluminescence. Conclusions. The review combines modern ideas about the mechanisms of monocyte migration and their modeling in vitro and in vivo . The criteria for evaluating model systems, their advantages, disadvantages, and possibilities of application in research and in therapy of diseases are described.