Inflammation: Leukocyte margination
The influx of inflammatory cells into the extracellular space precipitates both nonspecific and specific immune responses. Those pushy complement factors act first. They not only directly destroy microorganisms or mark them for later destruction, but also attract circulating phagocytes, among them the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). These neutrophils have a limited scavenging role, eating and digesting foreign material through acid hydrolytic enzymes.

This slide shows margination of neutrophils on the endothelial surface of a post-capillary venule, just before diapedesis into the extravascular space.

Back

Courtesy of Jim Fishback M.D., copyright University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine