MacrophageCells

ByNadiaAlvarez

Cells make up literally every living thing you

could think of, plants, animals and humans.
There are about 200 different types of cells
found in human beings, but one you've
probablyneverheardofiscalledamacrophage
cell. A macrophage cell is a unique type of
white blood cell and is found in the immune
system digesting cancer cells, and unwanted
substances found in the body in a process
known as phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is when
a cell devours a particle to create a small
structure insidecalleda phagosometokeepthe
dead cell from harming thebody.Thecellalso
generates
both
inflammatory
and
antiinflammatory signals to the spot the host
may be injured by releasing cytokines. This is
because dead cells are able to activate a
proinflammatory response which can lead to
autoimmune disease. The organelles,ribosome
andlysosomefoundinsidethemacrophagecell
help it create protein and break down debris
thatthemacrophageengulfs.

These cells are not just found in humans, in

fact a recent study of the axolotl (aquatic
salamander) showed that macrophage cells
are akeyparttothebeginningprocessofwhy
they are able to regenerate their limbs. In the
experiment all macrophages are removed
from a salamander with an amputatedlegand
the result showed absolutely no regrowth.
Whereas the salamander with only some
macrophages removed is still able to regrow
its leg just not as quick as it would beableto
with its full macrophage count. Scientists
know that macrophages play a huge part in
the beginning of the limb regeneration
process but are not sure exactlywhattheyare
doing that results in a new limb growing.
They also believethishasbroughtusonestep
closer to being able to regrow limbs on
humans and will lead to the answer in the
nearfuture.

Left:
Axolotl
(aquaticsalamander)
Right:
Macrophagecells