Tingible body macrophages



Definition:

Tingible body macrophages are a type of immune cell found in certain tissues. The term “tingible” refers to their appearance under a microscope, often containing visible remnants of dead cells. These macrophages play an important role in the body’s immune response by engulfing and digesting cellular debris and dead cells.

Where are tingible body macrophages normally found?

Tingible body macrophages are primarily found in the germinal centers of lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes and the spleen. Germinal centers are areas within these tissues where B cells (a type of white blood cell) proliferate, differentiate, and undergo selection processes during an immune response.

What do tingible body macrophages do?

Tingible body macrophages have several important functions:

  • Engulf and digest dead cells: They help clean up cellular debris by engulfing and digesting dead or dying cells.
  • Maintain tissue health: By removing dead cells and debris, they help maintain the health and proper functioning of lymphoid tissues.
  • Support immune response: They regulate the immune response by processing and presenting antigens (foreign substances) to other immune cells.

What conditions are associated with a loss or decrease in the number or distribution of tingible body macrophages?

A decrease in the number or distribution of tingible body macrophages can be seen in certain conditions, including:

  • Immunodeficiency disorders: Conditions where the immune system is weakened or not functioning properly can decrease the number of tingible body macrophages.
  • Chronic infections: Long-term infections can exhaust the immune system, reducing the number of these macrophages.
  • Lymphoma: Some types of lymphoma (cancers of the immune system) can disrupt the normal architecture of lymphoid tissues, leading to a decrease in tingible body macrophages.

What conditions are associated with an increased number of tingible body macrophages?

An increased number of tingible body macrophages can be seen in conditions where there is increased cell turnover or death, including:

  • Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia: An increase in the size and number of lymphoid follicles, often in response to infection or inflammation, can lead to more tingible body macrophages.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells can result in increased cell death and a higher number of tingible body macrophages.
  • Certain infections: Infections that cause significant cell death, such as viral infections, can increase the number of these macrophages.
  • Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A severe systemic inflammatory syndrome that can cause an increase in the number of tingible body macrophages.
  • Burkitt lymphoma: Pathologists often describe this type of lymphoma as having a “starry sky” appearance due to the large number of tingible body macrophages throughout the tumor. It is a highly aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

 

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