Macrophage

Definition of Macrophage:

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

Topics Related to Macrophage

Beta 1,3 Glucan

...as a treatment
“...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...”
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More topics Related to Macrophage

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...”

Germanium

...as a treatment
“...Researchers concluded that germanium sesquioxide stimulates immunopotentiating mechanisms, leading to augmentation of natural killer cell activity and activation of macrophages.  Germanium is a constituent of various natural foods in the amount of around 1mg per day for the average diet...”

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.”

Monocytes Elevated

...the condition
“...After a few hours they migrate to tissues such as the spleen, liver, lung, and bone marrow, where they mature into macrophages, the main scavenger cells of the immune system...”
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More topics Related to Macrophage

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...”

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...”

Shiitake Mushrooms

...as a treatment
“...These so-called lymphokines, such as interferon and interleukin, stimulate the defense system through the proliferation of phagocytes, including macrophages and other immune fighters that attack cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses...”

Weakened Immune System

...the condition
“...Monocytes are the largest type of WBC and become macrophages when they enter tissue from the bloodstream...”
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