Microphages
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Microphages are small phagocytes introduced by Metchnikoff, who distinguished them from macrophages. They primarily consist of granular polymorphonuclear leukocytes that exhibit active phagocytosis mainly toward bacteria rather than tissue breakdown products.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Microphages (from Greek mikros - small and phago- I eat), small phagocytes. The term M. was introduced by Metchnikoff, who divided all phagocytes into small (microphages) and large (macrophages). Metchnikoff attributed only granular polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the blood to microphages, which, emigrating from blood vessels, exhibit energetic phagocytosis mainly with respect to bacteria and to a much lesser degree (in contrast to macrophages) to various products of tissue breakdown. The phagocytic activity of M. is especially well manifested in pus containing bacteria (e.g., in gonorrhea). From macrophages, to which Metchnikoff attributed all other types of phagocytes, M. also differ in that they do not take up vital stains.
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“Microphages.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/microphages/