Editing Macrophage (section)

=== Role in iron homeostasis ===
{{Main|Human iron metabolism}}

As described above, macrophages play a key role in removing dying or dead cells and cellular debris. [[Red blood cell|Erythrocytes]] have a lifespan on average of 120 days and so are constantly being destroyed by macrophages in the spleen and liver. Macrophages will also engulf [[macromolecule]]s, and so play a key role in the [[pharmacokinetics]] of [[parenteral iron]]s.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

The iron that is released from the haemoglobin is either stored internally in [[ferritin]] or is released into the circulation via [[ferroportin]]. In cases where systemic iron levels are raised, or where inflammation is present, raised levels of [[hepcidin]] act on macrophage ferroportin channels, leading to iron remaining within the macrophages.<ref name="melkaya94">{{cite web |title=Iron metabolism and iron disorders revisited in the hepcidin era |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012465/ |website=National Library of Medicine |access-date=29 April 2025}}</ref>