Abstract
IN 1953 Biozzi, Benacerraf and Halpern reported a technique for assessment of the phagocytic activity of the macrophage (reticulo-endothelial) system involving the introduction of a known quantity of particulate carbon into the circulation and the recording of its disappearance over a period of time. Serial samples of blood were removed from the retro-orbital plexus of the experimental animal as previously described by Halpern and Pacaud2, and the concentration of carbon in each sample was measured by means of an absorptiometer. The logarithmic value of each of the absorptiometer readings was plotted against the time of removal of the sample, and the slope of the line in closest relationship to these successive points was taken to indicate the rate of uptake of particulate carbon by the cells of the macrophage system.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Biozzi, G., Benacerraf, B., and Halpern, B. N., Brit. J. Exp. Path., 34, 441 (1953).
Halpern, B. N., and Pacaud, A., C.R. Soc. Biol., 145, 1465 (1951).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
BILBEY, D., SALEM, H. Assessment of the Phagocytic Activity of the Macrophage System. Nature 184, 992–993 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/184992a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/184992a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.