Optimal conditions for proliferation of bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages in culture: the roles of CSF-1, serum, Ca2+, and adherence

A method is described for the analysis of 3H]-thymidine incorporation in microtitre cultures of bone marrow-derived mouse macrophage responding to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1). 3H]-thymidine incorporation depends on cell density, culture medium, and the concentration of CSF-1 and serum, but is independent of Ca2+. Bone marrow-derived macrophages are strongly adherent, but adherence can be dissociated from 3H]-thymidine incorporation.