REVIEW OF THE MACROPHAGE DISAPPEARANCE REACTION

Macrophages (M phi s) undergo a physiological response known as the ma crophage disappearance reaction (MDR) in response to certain stimuli i n the peritoneal compartment. The types of stimuli that can cause the MDR, the relationship of the MDR to the host immunological response, a nd the possible role of the MDR in M phi activation are reviewed. The data indicate that the MDR occurs in response to both acute nonspecifi c inflammatory and specific immune delayed hypersensitivity processes and that the MDR may play an important role in M phi activation.