Function and Kinetics of Mononuclear Cells

Monocytes



  • Monocytes are phagocytes which remove injured and dead cells, cell fragments, microorganisms and insoluble particles from the blood and body tissues.
  • Monocytes also secrete substances that affect the function of other cells, especially lymphocytes.
  • They are produced in the bone marrow, and when mature are released into the peripheral blood. Although they do serve a phagocytic role in the blood, their main site of action is the body tissues.
  • The half-life for monocytes in the peripheral blood is approximately 8 hours. Monocytes migrate into the tissues, often to sites of inflammation, where they serve their primary purpose.
  • Here they transform into fixed or free macrophages, and continue their function as avid phagocytes.
  • When activated, macrophages may enlarge and have enhanced metabolism.



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