An immune system cell that scavenges bacterial and other foreign material in the blood and tissues. It is a mature form of what is released from the marrow as a monocyte. A macrophage lives long, can digest much detritus, and is able to wear particles of odd food on its outer membrane. This allows T-cell and B-cell lymphocytes to taste the particle (an epitope) and form an antibody response. Further, these macrophages, traveling as monocytes, will take up permanent residence in many tissues, providing them with immunity. They line the spleen, form the cleansing Kupffer cells in the liver, make up the "dust cells" that protect the lungs, protect the synovial fluids of the joints, and form the microglial cells that provide protection to the brain and nerve tissues. Essentially the macrophages clean up messes and act as the intermediates between innate and acquired immunity. Also: Macrophages

	Beta 1,3 Glucan As A Treatment "...Use The carbohydrate polymers known as Beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system -- stimulating anti-tumor and antimicrobial activity, for example -- by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them..." Consequences of Splenectomy The Condition "...It helps filter substances from the blood: blood passing through the spleen travels through a maze of sponge-like spaces called sinusoids, where macrophages surround and destroy old or damaged blood cells..." Enteritis The Condition "...Pseudomembranous Colitis; Shigellosis; Nontyphoidal Salmonellosis; Enterocolitis; Paratyphoid fever; Bacteremia ... Smear of stool to check for fecal leukocytes, gross or occult blood, macrophages, mucus..." Garlic As A Treatment "...Another is by stimulating other immune cells, such as macrophages and T-cells to fight bacterial and viral infections and to scavenge for cancer cells..." Glutamine As A Treatment "...For instance, various cells of the immune system such as the lymphocytes and macrophages depend on glutamine as a primary fuel source, and thus the demand for glutamine increases when an immunological response is mounted..." Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance) The Condition "...While cellular immunity (Th1) directs Natural Killer T-cells and macrophages to attack abnormal cells and microorganisms at sites of infection inside the cells, humoral immunity (Th2) results in the production of antibodies used to neutralize foreign invaders and..." Recommendation Beta 1,3 Glucan "...It stimulates macrophage and neutrophil function..." Poor Cerebral Circulation The Condition "...The clot and dead tissue are removed by macrophages, and the damaged area is invaded by connective tissue and glia, often producing a fluid-filled cyst..." Poor/Slow Wound Healing Recommendation Turmeric Extract, Curcumin "...It also improves reepitheliazation (new skin formation) and migration of cells such as myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and macrophages, necessary for healing at the wound site..." Recommendation Aloe Vera "...Aloe's mode of action may be through modulating macrophage function in the wound, enabling an immune response that ingests and destroys foreign pathogens [Zhang et al..." Prostaglandin E Related Topic "...two, if made by the kidneys, slow sodium reabsorption; if within the uterus, induce a stronger response from less stimulus; if made in the stomach lining inhibit gastric secretion; if secreted by macrophages, target tissues become more accessible to infiltration and inflammation..." Thymus Related Topic "...There are also scattered epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and myoid cells..." Torn, weak, or Stretched Ligaments or Tendons The Condition "...The leukocytes also secrete hormones which attract an important cell called the "macrophage"..."

Last updated: Feb 28, 2008