Splenic macrophages are a type of immune cell found in the spleen, an important organ in the immune system.
Splenic macrophages are distributed in different regions of the spleen, such as the red pulp and white pulp. In the red pulp, they are involved in removing old or damaged red blood cells. In the white pulp, they interact with lymphocytes and play a role in the immune response.
They have characteristic morphological features, including a relatively large cell body with an irregular shape and abundant cytoplasmic extensions that allow them to engulf and process foreign substances.
Phagocytosis: One of the main functions of splenic macrophages is phagocytosis. They can recognize and engulf pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as cellular debris. This helps to clear the bloodstream of harmful substances and prevent infections.
Antigen Presentation: Splenic macrophages are also important antigen - presenting cells. After phagocytosing antigens, they process and present them to T - lymphocytes, which activates the adaptive immune response. This interaction is crucial for the specific recognition and elimination of pathogens.
Cytokine Secretion: They secrete various cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF - α), interleukin - 1 (IL - 1), and interleukin - 6 (IL - 6). These cytokines play important roles in regulating the immune response, including promoting inflammation and activating other immune cells.
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