The structure of mononuclear phagocytes differentiating in vivo. III. The effect of particulate foreign substances

Am J Pathol. 1977 Nov;89(2):335-50.

Abstract

The response of mononuclear phagocytes to three inert particles--barium sulfate, talc, and thorium dioxide--was studied by correlated light and electron microscopy. All three particles induced maturation of the mononuclear phagocytes, which proceeded to the stage of the mature macrophage and required 7 to 9 days. Once established, maturation persisted as long as 45 days, as did the inert particles. The resultant lesions, dense aggregates of mature macrophages, were termed mature granulomas. The resultant maturation differed from that produced by digestible bacteria in tempo and extent but not in pattern.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Barium Sulfate
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / immunology*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / pathology
  • Granuloma / immunology*
  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / ultrastructure
  • Phagocytes / immunology
  • Phagocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Phagocytosis
  • Talc
  • Thorium Dioxide
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Talc
  • Barium Sulfate
  • Thorium Dioxide