Amebocyte

Amebocyte is a type of cell found in the blood of various invertebrates, including some mollusks, echinoderms, and arthropods. Amebocytes play a crucial role in the immune response and in distributing nutrients throughout the organism. They are named for their amoeba-like ability to change shape, which allows them to move through the circulatory system and between tissues.

Function

Amebocytes are involved in several key physiological processes:

• Immune Response: They are part of the invertebrate's defense system, engulfing foreign particles and pathogens through phagocytosis. This is similar to the role of white blood cells in vertebrates.
• Distribution of Nutrients: Amebocytes assist in transporting nutrients to different parts of the organism, especially where direct circulation is not possible.
• Wound Healing: They contribute to the repair of tissue damage by delivering necessary cellular materials to the site of injury.
• Shell Formation: In mollusks, amebocytes are involved in the secretion of the substances that form the shell.

Types

There are different types of amebocytes, each with specific functions, including:

• Prohemocytes: These are the precursor cells that can differentiate into various types of amebocytes.
• Granulocytes: Characterized by their granular cytoplasm, these cells are often involved in the immune response.
• Spherulocytes: These cells contain spherules and are involved in the transport of nutrients.

Research and Clinical Significance

Amebocytes have been the subject of research for their role in invertebrate immunity and their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. For example, the amebocytes from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) are used to produce Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), a reagent critical for detecting bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

See Also

• Invertebrate immune system
• Phagocytosis
• Horseshoe crab
• Limulus Amebocyte Lysate