Flow cytometric analysis of lipid droplet formation in cells of the human monocytic cell line, U937

Abstract

Active uptake of a free fatty acid, oleate, and its incorporation into triacylglycerol and phospholipid in the human monocytic cell line, U937, was identified using 14C-labelled oleate. Excess triacylglycerol accumulates in the form of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. The extent of lipid droplet formation in each cell can be assessed in the absence of any staining by 90° light scatter intensity, one of the basic parameters of flow cytometry.Key words: monocyte, free fatty acid, triacylglycerol, flow cytometry.