Macrophages

Also known as:  Clasmocytes

Fixed Macrophages are also known as:  Histiocytes

Macrophages are a type of White Blood Cell that functions as a Phagocyte (i.e. it is phagocytic) - Macrophages are very similar to Monocytes (present in the bloodstream) and are formed from Monocytes as required.

Macrophages are not present in the bloodstream but are present at locations where body organs interface with the environment, such as the Lungs, Spleen, BoneMarrow and Liver.

Immune System

 Macrophages are capable (due to their function as Phagocytes) of destroying many types of Antigens - Macrophages function as larger, slower moving Phagocytes that are specialized to destroy Antigens that survive destruction by Neutrophils.

 Macrophages prompt the activation of B-Lymphocytes.

 Stimulated Macrophages are capable of destroying Cancer cells.  ^[1]

 Stimulated Macrophages are capable of destroying Candida albicans (a detrimental yeast).

 Interferons are produced and secreted by Macrophages.

 Interleukin 1 is produced and secreted by Macrophages.

 During periods of infection of the body, Macrophages produce substances that prompt the Bone Marrow to produce more Monocytes and other White Blood Cells.

 Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is produced by Macrophages.

Skin

 Cytokines secreted by Macrophages are involved in the healing of Wounds - they stimulate Fibroblasts to increase the synthesis of Collagen and Elastin:

 Macrophages also function as Phagocytes to remove dead tissue and Bacteria from the site of Wounds.

Alkaloids

 Berberine may activate Macrophages.  ^[2]

Amino Acids

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

 Glutamine serves as a fuel source for Macrophages.  ^[3]

 Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) may enhance the ability of Macrophages to function as Phagocytes.  ^[4]

Carbohydrates

 Acemannan may activate Macrophages.  ^[5]

 Glucans may activate Macrophages that promote the growth of Capillaries and Fibroblasts:

 Beta 1,3 Glucan attaches (via a specific Beta 1,3 Glucan Receptor located on the surface of Macrophages) to the Cell Membranes of Macrophages and activates them.  ^[6]

 Beta 1,6 Glucan may activate Macrophages. 

 Echinacin (a constituent of Echinacea) may stimulate Macrophages to produce Interferon Beta, Interleukin 1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor. 

 Fucoidan may activate Macrophages.  ^[7]

 Ginsan (a constituent of Korean Ginseng) may activate Macrophages.  ^[8]

 Grifolan (a form of Beta 1,3 Glucan found in Maitake Mushrooms) may activate Macrophages.  ^[9]

 KS-2 (a Peptidomannan found in Shiitake Mushrooms) may activate Macrophages.  ^[10]

 Kureha (a Polysaccharide present in Karawatake Mushrooms) may activate Macrophages.