The origin and function of normal monocytes and macrophages have been clearly defined by extensive investigations in human and in animal models. The central importance ofthis cell system for the biological defense mecha nisms is well established: phagocytosis, inactivation and destruction of organic and inorganic materials, an important role in the initiation ofhumo ral and cell mediated immunological responses, and the secretion of a varie ty of chemical mediator and effector substances are the most important fea tures of this ontogenetically ancient cell system. However, the data on this cellular system are rather recent, and this may explain why relatively little attention has been payed to the pathology of the monocyte-macrophage system (MMS) until now. In addition, this monograph should focus attention on the secondarypa thophysiological implications of the MMS in disorders not primarily origi nating from this system. Several techniques are available to identify even abnormal individuals of this cell system and, therefore, can be employed for the study of severely altered or neoplastic monocytic cells.

Pathophysiological Aspects

Current View of the Mononuclear Phagocyte System
The Kinetics of Mononuclear Phagocytes in Man
Biochemical Properties of Human and Murine Mononuclear Phagocytes and Their Changes on Activation
Macrophages in the Regulation of Immunity
The Role of Macrophages as Effector Cells
The Macrophage as a Cytotoxic Effector Cell
The Role of Complement in the Function of the Monocyte-Macrophage System
Macrophage-Dependent Production of Erythropoietin and Colony-Stimulating Factor
The Relation Between Monocytes and Resident (Tissue) Macrophages
Development of Exudate-Resident Macrophages in Vivo and in Vitro
The Monocyte-Macrophage System in Granulomatous Inflammation
Macrophages in Granulomas: Histochemical Evidence Suggesting Local Control of Heterogeneous Functions
The Role of Macrophages in Storage Diseases
Interaction of Lipoproteins with Macrophages
The Role of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis
Clinical Syndromes
Acute Monocytic Leukemias
Subacute and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Lysosomal Granules in Leukemic Monocytes and Their Relation to Maturation Stages
Characteristics and Functions of Monocytes and Promonocytes in Monocytic Leukemia
Chronic Monocytic Leukemias
Therapy of Acute Monoblastic Leukemia
Histiocytic Medullary Reticulosis - Neoplastic or Atypical Inflammatory Process?
Histiocytic Medullary Reticulosis Re-visited
Therapy of Malignant Histiocytosis
Immunohistochemical Marking of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma and Malignant Histiocytosis
Malignant Histiocytic Disorders of the Skin
Childhood Histiocytosis X, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Approaches
Therapy in Pulmonary Histiocytosis X
Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy and Epidural Involvement
FamilialLymphohistiocytosis
Concluding Remarks: The Pathology of the MMS-Present Knowledge and Future Trends.