![]() Splenic macrophages (marginal zone, metallophilic and red pulp macrophages)Įlimination of dysfunctional or old red blood cells. Initiate immune responses and hepatic tissue remodelling.Įlimination of old or dead neurons and control of immunity in the brain. Initiation and control of immunity to respiratory pathogens Phagocytosis of small particles, dead cells or bacteria. The table below describes the location and function of a few different macrophage populations. ![]() Macrophages migrate to and circulate within almost every tissue, patrolling for pathogens or eliminating dead cells. The heterogeneous nature of these cells may not solely be the result of their differentiation process, but it is likely to be inherited from their monocyte precursors. In addition, macrophages produce reactive oxygen species, such as nitric oxide, that can kill phagocytosed bacteria. IL-1, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha). This heterogeneity is reflected in their morphology, the type of pathogens they can recognise, as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines they produce (i.e. There is a substantial heterogeneity among each macrophage population, which most probably reflects the required level of specialisation within the environment of any given tissue. Macrophages originate from blood monocytes that leave the circulation to differentiate in different tissues. Figure 1. Lung macrophages stained with Wright-Giemsa In addition, they can also present antigens to T cells and initiate inflammation by releasing molecules (known as cytokines) that activate other cells. Macrophages are specialised cells involved in the detection, phagocytosis and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms.
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