title: Phenotypic differentiation patterns of the human monocyte/macrophage system.
abstract: In the present study phenotypic properties of non-stimulated and stimulated blood monocytes and of their normal macrophage derivatives were studied applying enzyme cytochemistry, isoenzyme analysis of acid esterase (EC 3.1.1.6), and immunohistochemical staining using a panel of newly established monoclonal antibodies specific for the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Certain marker profiles could be established for the various normal subpopulations within the monocyte/macrophage system, which were also observable in epithelioid cells and U-937 cell line considered as reactive and neoplastic differentiation variants of monocytes, respectively. Alveolar macrophages, in contrast to the other analysed monocyte/macrophage populations, showed a highly activated phenotype comparable to lymphokine stimulated blood monocytes and epithelioid cells. The results underline the concept that the adaptation of monocytes/macrophages to their particular microenvironment is of decisive importance for their definitive differentiation.
mesh_terms: D000115:Acetylesterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology; D010641:Phenotype; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000115:Acetylesterase