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The comparative biology of pulmonary intravascular macrophages
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. kelongworth@ucdavis.edu
Abstract:
Pulmonary intravascular macrophages are an important part of the mononuclear phagocyte system in some species of mammals, mainly sheep and other ruminants, pigs, and horses. These cells phagocytize foreign particles, cell debris and pathogens that pass through the pulmonary circulation. Species with intravascular macrophages localize intravenously injected tracer particles and bacteria predominantly in the lung rather than the liver, and exhibit pulmonary hypertension when these cells are activated. Both in vivo and in vitro studies show that pulmonary intravascular macrophages have distinct secretory and immune capabilities. Consequently, the pulmonary intravascular macrophages play an important role in pulmonary inflammation in species that have them
Insights
Pulmonary intravascular macrophages are key immune cells in sheep, pigs, and horses. These cells filter the lungs, impacting pulmonary inflammation and hypertension when activated.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) are part of the mononuclear phagocyte system in certain mammals like sheep, pigs, and horses.
- These cells reside within the lung's vasculature, playing a role in filtering circulating substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the function and significance of pulmonary intravascular macrophages.
- To highlight their role in the immune response and potential impact on lung health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing in vivo and in vitro studies on PIMs.
- Analysis of species-specific distribution and function of these cells.
Main Results:
- PIMs phagocytize foreign particles, cellular debris, and pathogens in the pulmonary circulation.
- Species possessing PIMs show preferential localization of intravenously injected materials in the lungs.
- Activation of PIMs is associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary intravascular macrophages possess unique secretory and immune functions.
- These cells are crucial in mediating pulmonary inflammation in species where they are present.