The Functional Development of the Reticulo-endothelial System of the Chick Embryo

Abstract

A quantitative study has been made of the phagocytosis of various particles by the developing chick embryo. The phagocytosis of rough strains of bacteria is much more efficient compared with that of smooth strains. The importance of serum opsonins in promoting phagocytosis and the possible origin of these factors in the chick embryo are discussed.