AMAZING MACROPHAGE VIDEOS

But first, a brief introduction to Macrophages, for the benefit of those who have not studied Hematology, Microbiology, or some other scientific field were white blood cells are studied.

Note: Blue colored words are links to Wikipedia, for the benefit of those who might not be familiar with certain terminologies.

Scientists, for now, have classified Macrophages as two main types, M1 and M2. They (scientists) also believe that monocytes are the precursor cells that can be activated into an M1 or M2 macrophage. However, I am starting to suspect that an eosinophil and/or a basophil can also be activated into an M1 macrophage, but this is yet to be proven (I don't have sufficient evidence yet).

M1 MACROPHAGE PROPERTIES:
Can destroy bacteria and some other pathogens.
Coordinates anti-cancer immune response.
Inhibits cancer growth.
Removes debris from the blood.
Can cause inflammation while destroying pathogens (bacteria, microscopic parasites, etc.).

M2 MACROPHAGE PROPERTIES:
Supports Angiogenesis.
Suppress immune function.
Helps heal wounds.
Promote cancer growth.

M1 macrophages can produce TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), IFN-gamma (Interferon), and IL-12 (Interleukin-12). Chemicals that seem to be significant in inhibiting cancer growth. An interesting fact, I recently learned, Cannabis seems to lower the amount of TNF in the blood. Could this be because of its cancer fighting properties?

The images, bellow, are links to the videos. To see the videos, select (with mouse, track-ball, or finger) the image, and the video, linked to that image, should play in your browser. Depending on browser your computer (or smart phone) uses, it might ask you to download the video before it can play it.

I recorded these videos, in High Definition, using a Nikon digital camera, a microscope and unstained live blood.

The 37 seconds video, bellow, shows two morphologically different M1s colliding.




MORE VIDEOS WILL BE POSTED SOON.


REFERENCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrophage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phagocytosis

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