[Phagocytosis of blood cells in pleural effusions].
Macrophages can be found in pleural effusions in varying number according to etiology and duration of the underlying pleural disease. These phagocytes are able to ingest different particles and cells: morphologically intact white and red blood cells or degradation products (such as, for instance, specific granules of granulocytes) are detectable in up to 10% of pleural macrophages. Little is known about the significance and mechanisms of cytophagocytosis of blood cells by macrophages in pleural effusions. To learn more about it we studied the phenomenon of endocytosis in 105 patients with pleural effusions of various etiologies. Cytophagocytosis can be observed in all pleural effusions independently of underlying pleural processes. The nature of ingested cells in macrophages corresponds to free blood cells in effusions and a similar ratio can be shown. The results indicate that white and red blood cells which enter the pleural space may be eliminated by macrophages by a similar mechanism to the well known cytohemolysis of blood cells in the reticulo-endothelium of the body.
D001773:Blood Cells; D004705:Endocytosis; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*
Zytophagozytose von Blutzellen in Pleuraergüssen.