Phagocytes

Also known as:  Carrier Cells;  Mononuclear Phagocyte System;  RES;  Reticuloendothelial System;  Scavenger Cells

Phagocytes are a collective term for Cells of the Immune System that can engulf and digest Bacteria, Protozoa, Cells and Cell debris.

Immune System Cells

 Macrophages normally function as Phagocytes.

 Monocytes can function as Phagocytes (after their conversion to Macrophages within the body).

 Neutrophils normally function as Phagocytes.

Cardiovascular System

 Phagocytes remove dead Cells from the walls of Blood Vessels (thereby participating in the prevention of Atherosclerosis).

Cellular Aging

 Phagocytes facilitate the removal of dead Cells from the body (via the process of Apoptosis):

 The process of Apoptosis involves the single “deletion” of scattered Cells by fragmentation into membrane-bound particles that are then engulfed and digested by Phagocytes.

Immune System

 Phagocytes surround (engulf) and allow Lysosomes to release Enzymes and Superoxide Free Radicals that destroy (digest) Antigens that have been identified as foreign and marked for destruction.  The process of destruction of Antigens by Phagocytes and Lysosomes is known as Phagocytosis.

 Phagocytes allow Lysozyme (contained in Lysosomes) to destroy many forms of Bacteria - Detrimental.

 Phagocytes can destroy many types of Cancer cells.

 Phagocytes can destroy many Viruses.

Musculoskeletal System

 Phagocytes are involved in the healing of Wounds:

 Phagocytes engulf particles of debris (i.e. Antigens) around the site of the Wound.

Oxidation & Free Radicals

 Phagocytes reduce Free Radicals reactions.

Alkaloids

 Several Oxindole Alkaloids may enhance the function of Phagocytes:  ^[1]

 Isomitraphylline may enhance the function of Phagocytes.  ^[2]

 Isopteropodine may enhance the function of Phagocytes.  ^[3]

 Isorynchophylline may enhance the function of Phagocytes.  ^[4]

 Pteropodine may enhance the function of Phagocytes.  ^[5]

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may enhance the ability of Macrophages to function as Phagocytes. 

 Glutamine may be essential for the growth of Phagocytes and may enhance the ability of Monocytes to function as Phagocytes.  ^[6]

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) (600 mg per day) may improve the ability of Neutrophils to function as Phagocytes.  ^[7]