monocytes - originate
in marrow, spend up to 20 days in the circulation, then travel to the tissues
where they become macrophages. Macrophages are the most important phagocyte
outside the circulation. Monocytes are about 9% of normal wbc count. They
undergo chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing
in much the same manner as neutrophils. In addition macrophages act as antigen-presenting
cells for T-lymphocytes. They are capable of cellular cytotoxicity and
secrete certain cytokines. |
|