Question

For each of the following foreign bodies identify the type of cell that ingests them and the method by which it ingests the foreign body (pick from neutrophils, macrophages or FBGCs for the cell type and phagocytosis, pinocytosis or receptor mediated endocytosis for the method of ingestion): a) Gold particles 1 nm across b) Necrotic cell tissue c) PGA particles (15-20 microns across)

Answer 1

1. Gold nanoparticles 1 nm across- are ingested by macrophages via pinocytosis (Pinocytosis is a type of endocytosis by which single nanoparticles with sizes below 10 nm are translocated into the cell)

2. Necrotic cell tissues - are ingested by macrophages via pinocytosis (Necrotic cell materials are internalized by macrophages with the formation of spacious macropinosomes, i,e the ingestion of pinosomes of > 0.2 micrometre diameter)

3. PGA particles (15-20 microns across)- are ingested by macrophages via receptor-mediated endocytosis.