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The mechanism of fusion of hamster macrophages induced by antimacrophage serum
Author(s) -
Chambers T. J.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711220308
Subject(s) - citation , mechanism (biology) , path (computing) , medical school , medicine , library science , computer science , philosophy , medical education , epistemology , programming language
The mechanism of antihamster macrophage serum (AHMS)-induced fusion of hamster macrophages has been investigated using the serum alone or conjugated to ferritin or Sepharose beads. It has been shown that AHMS attaches to and is interiorised by hamster macrophages. When macrophages are brought into contact before AHMS bound to their surface is interiorised, fusion results. The results strongly support the hypothesis that macrophage fusion is the consequence os simultaneous endocytosis of particles or colloids. It is suggested that a similar mechanism underlies the formation of macrophage giant cells in granulomata where closely packed macrophages attach to and interiorise the denatured materials produced in the chronically inflamed environment.