マウスのサルコペニアモデルを用いた免疫系の変化観察

抄録

Muscle atrophy is a result of aging and disease, and can compromise physical function and impair vital metabolic processes. Low levels of muscular fitness, known as ‘flail', contribute greatly to weakness, disability, and immobility, and lead to increased hospitalization and loss of independence.

　To investigate the correlation between muscle atrophy and aging-related immune deterioration, a dissected sciatic nerve sarcopenic mouse model was established and the fraction of immunological cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, was determined. Eight weeks after sciatic nerve dissection, the volume of both hind legs was evaluated based on acquired magnetic resonance imaging. Primary splenocytes and biceps femoris muscle-derived cells were isolated and labeled by cellular markers. The subpopulation of the cells was then detected using flow cytometry. T and B cell lineages were significantly suppressed in the sarcopenic model compared with control mice, and the fraction of macrophages and natural killer cells also tended to increase.

　In conclusion, muscular loss appears to affect the immunological system by modulating humoral immunity and the cell-based immunology response. Further functional analysis of individual cell subsets could further determine the influence of sarcopenia on immune system improvement.