The changes of phagocytosis and production of nitric oxide of monocyte/macrophage in the elderly

Objective To investigate the change of phagocytosis and production of nitric oxide of mono cyte/macrophage in the elderly.Methods The phagocytic rat e , phagocytic index and the nitric oxide production in the elderly were compare d with that in the young control group.Results The phagoc ytic rate , phagocytic index and the nitric oxide production in the elderly were lower than that in the young control group .Conclusions The immune function of monocyte/macrophage is decreased in the elderly. Therefor e, improving the phagocytosis and production of nitric oxide of monocyte/macroph age in the elderly may be a new immune adjustment treatment.