Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Planar Gradient Diffusion System to Investigate Chemotaxis in a 3D Collagen Matrix
Published on: June 12, 2015
Facts and speculation about necrotaxis (chemotaxis toward a dying cell)
Abstract:
The name "necrotaxis" has been given to a special type of chemotaxis in which granulocytes and monocytes are attracted to cells in the process of dying. Microirradiation devices (conventional UV and laser) have been used to destroy a target cell. Immediately, leukocytes (neutrophils and monocytes) can be seen to advance towards the damaged cell and to engulf it. Hemoglobin and albumin coagulated in the microbeam are equally necrotactic. The presence of plasma does not seem necessary, as the phenomenon also occurs in a saline environment. The neutrophil nucleus is not necessary for necrotaxis, anucleated cytoplasmic fragments are capable of directionality, rosette formation around the dead cell and phagocytosis. Three specific points are briefly discussed: -- the nature of necrotactic substances -- the recognition mechanism of damaged cells and molecules -- the eventual role of necrotaxis in vivo.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Necrosis
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis

