Phagocyte

Primary immunodeficiencies are uncommon, and may occur in 1 in 10,000 individuals (6). Many primary immunodeficiencies are hereditary and congenital, and first appear in infants and children. Primary immunodeficiencies are classified into four main groups (7) relating to the lymphocytes (B-ceUs, T-ceUs, or both), phagocytes, or the complement cascade (8). Primary deficiency diseases result from B-ceU defects in 50% of cases, from T-ceU defects in ca 10%, and from combined B- and T-ceU defects in ca 20%. Phagocytic disorders account for 18% and complement defects occur in 2% of all cases. 

After insertion of an lUD, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages accumulate in the uterine cavity. These cells appear to phagocytize sperm and Hberate a blastotoxic toxin (92,93). Intrauterine devices also may create a hostile environment, perhaps because antibodies are produced that interfere with implantation of the fertilized ovum (93). 

Low humidity also affects comfort and health. Comfort complaints about dry nose, throat, eyes, and skin occur in low-humidity conditions, typically when the dew point is less than 0 °C. Low humidity can lead to drying of the skin and mucous surfaces. On respiratory surfaces, drying can concentrate mucus to the extent that ciliary clearance and phagocytic activities are re-... 

On the other hand, cNOS is continuously expressed in the ceils, and upon stimulation of the cell, the formation of NO begins immediately. However, the amounts of NO produced are minute. The nature of NO in cells expressing cNOS is only to act as a messenger molecule, whereas NO has also other functions in cells expressing iNOS. For example, NO has bacteria and cell killing properties in immunological cells, such as phagocytes. ... 

Sugioka, K., Nakano, M., Kurashige, S. A., Y, and Goto, T. (1986). A chemiluminescent probe with a Cypridina luciferin analog, 2-methyl-6-phenyl-3,7 dihydroimidazo[l,2-a]pyrazin-3-one, specific and sensitive for superoxide anion production in phagocytizing macrophages. FEBS Lett. 197 27-30. 

Witko-Sarsat, V., Nguyen Anh Thu, Knight, J., and Descamps-Latscha, B. (1992). Pholasin a new chemiluminescent probe for the detection of chloramines derived from human phagocytes. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 13 83-88. 

Several cytokines are in clinical use that support immune responses, such as IL-2, DFNs, or colony-stimulating factors. IL-2 supports the proliferation and effector ftmction of T-lymphocytes in immune compromised patients such as after prolonged dialysis or HIV infection. IFNs support antiviral responses or antitumoral activities of phagocytes, NK cells, and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Colony-stimulatory factors enforce the formation of mature blood cells from progenitor cells, e.g., after chemo- or radiotherapy (G-CSF to generate neutrophils, TPO to generate platelets, EPO to generate erythrocytes). 

Dead or live bacteria may be effective to stimulate inflammatory reactions of phagocytic cells against tumor cells. The best-characterized treatment is the use of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) in the case of bladder cancer where activation of the immune response is capable of controlling tumor growth. 

Inflammation occurs when a living tissue is injured or infected by microorganisms. It is a beneficial, self-limited response that requires phagocytic cells and elements of circulating plasma to enter the affected area. In principle it may achieve resolution and repair as the ideal outcome of inflammation. The persistent accumulation and activation of leukocytes is a hallmark of chronic inflammation. 

The migration of phagocytic cells to the site of damage is one of the most fundamental components of the acute inflammatory response, and the key players in this process will be presented next. 

The very early peak of neutrophil invasion into an inflamed area is followed several hours later by a wave of a second class of phagocytic cells, the macrophages. This biphasic pattern of inflammatory cell movement and accumulation is observed in most acute inflammatory responses. The mononuclear phagocyte in the blood is known as the monocyte and differentiates... 

Formation of apoptotic bodies which are engulfed and cleared by phagocytes... 

---