Functions of leukocytes and erythrocytes. Blood test erythrocytes are elevated what does it mean

06.11.2020

A mature erythrocyte that circulates in the blood is a differentiated cell capable of further proliferation. But it can also be called a cell conditionally, since it is deprived of one of the main attributes of a cell - the nucleus. The nuclei contain only the precursors of erythrocytes - bone marrow erythroblasts. When they mature, the nucleus is pushed through the membrane. An erythrocyte is able to circulate in the bloodstream for 100-120 days. After that, he dies.
Thus, about 1% of red blood cells are renewed per day. This is evidenced by the presence in the blood of young erythrocytes - reticulocytes (from Latin Rete - a network based on mRNA residues). After leaving the bone marrow in the bloodstream, they remain in the form of reticulocytes for about a day. Therefore, their concentration in the blood is about 0.8-1% of all red blood cells. Activation of erythropoiesis is accompanied by an increase in the number of reticulocytes in the blood. But in any case, erythropoiesis can be intensified by no more than 5-7 times compared with the initial level. That is, if under normal conditions about 25,000 erythrocytes are formed per day in 1 μl of blood, then with intensive erythropoiesis, up to 150,000 erythrocytes can enter the bloodstream per day from the bone marrow.
erythrocytes in 1 µl. There are no significant reserves (depot) of erythrocytes in the human body. Therefore, the elimination of anemia (after blood loss) occurs only due to increased erythropoiesis. But at the same time, a significant increase in the number of erythrocytes in the bone marrow begins only after 3-5 days. In the peripheral blood, this becomes noticeable even later. Therefore, after blood loss or hemolysis, it takes a lot of time to restore the level of red blood cells to normal (at least 2-3 weeks).
Destruction of erythrocytes. The life cycle of red blood cells ends with their destruction (hemolysis). Hemolysis of erythrocytes can occur in the bloodstream. Cells, delayed, die in the macrophage system. These processes depend on changes in the properties of both the erythrocyte itself and the blood plasma.
To perform the gas transport function, the erythrocyte almost does not consume the energy of ATP, therefore, probably, only a small amount of ATP is formed in it. In the absence of mitochondria, ATP is synthesized by glycolysis. The pentose phosphate pathway is also used, the by-product of which is 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). This compound is involved in the regulation of the affinity of hemoglobin to 02. ATP, which is synthesized in erythrocytes, is spent on: 1) maintaining the elasticity of the membrane, 2) maintaining ionic gradients, 3) providing some biosynthetic processes (formation of enzymes) 4) restoring methemoglobin similar.
In the middle of erythrocytes, the content of proteins is much higher, and low molecular weight substances, on the contrary, are lower than in plasma. The total osmotic pressure created due to the high concentration of proteins and low concentration of salts in the middle of the erythrocyte is slightly lower than in plasma. This ensures normal erythrocyte turgor. Since its membrane is impermeable to proteins, the main component that ensures the exchange of water between erythrocytes and plasma are low molecular weight ions. So, with an increase in the blood concentration of low-molecular compounds that easily penetrate into erythrocytes, their osmotic pressure increases in the middle. Water enters the red blood cells, they swell and may burst. Osmotic hemolysis will take place. This can be observed, for example, with uremia caused by an increase in the content of urea in the blood.
In the erythrocyte, when the process of ATP formation is disturbed, the rate of downloading of ions (the activity of ion pumps) decreases, which leads to an increase in the concentration of ions inside the cells, and this, in turn, leads to osmotic hemolysis. Hemolysis also occurs in a certain hypotonic solution. A measure of the osmotic stability (resistance) of erythrocytes is the concentration of NaCl in the solution at which hemolysis occurs. Normally, hemolysis begins at 0.4% NaCl concentration (minimum resistance). At this concentration of NaCl, the least resistant erythrocytes are destroyed. In a 0.34% NaCl solution (maximum resistance), all erythrocytes are destroyed. In some diseases, the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes decreases, and hemolysis occurs at a high concentration of NaCl solution,
On the contrary, in a hypertonic solution, due to the release of water, erythrocytes shrink for a while.
With aging of erythrocytes, the activity of metabolic processes decreases. As a result, the cell membrane gradually loses its elasticity, and when the erythrocyte passes through some narrow sections of the vascular bed, it may linger in them. One such site is the spleen, where the distance between the trabeculae is about 3 µm. Here, erythrocytes are destroyed, and cell debris and hemoglobin are phagocytosed by macrophages.
Part of the red blood cells can be destroyed in the bloodstream. In this case, the hemoglobin that has entered the plasma is connected to the plasma a2-glycoprotein (haptoglobin). The complex that is formed does not penetrate the membrane of the kidneys, but enters the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Here it breaks down and, once in the liver, turns into bilirubin. When a large amount of hemoglobin enters, some of it is filtered in the renal tubules and excreted in the urine, destroyed or returned to the bloodstream, from where it enters the liver.

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blood erythrocyte leukocyte lymphocyte

Blood is a tissue of the body, belonging to the group of supporting-trophic tissues. But because of its state of aggregation, it is often isolated with lymph into a separate group of tissues. Blood and lymph occur during embryogenesis from the same source - mesenchymal stem cells, the founders of hematopoiesis.

Blood performs two important functions in the body:

1) Transport. Blood carries gases (O 2 , CO 2 ), nutrients, hormones, drugs, and many other substances.

2) Protective. It is carried out due to cellular elements involved in macrophage protection, inflammatory reactions and immunity.

Blood is 65% plasma, the liquid component of blood. Plasma consists of 90% water, 6.6-8.5% proteins, among which globulin proteins, albumins, fibrinogens, and trophic proteins transported by blood are isolated. The share of other organic and inorganic (mineral) compounds accounts for 1.5-2.5%. Due to its composition, blood maintains a certain homeostasis. For example, in a healthy adult, the acidity of the blood is always in the range of pH = 7.34-7.36. 40-45% of the blood is formed elements: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets [despite the presence of the suffix "-cytes", platelets are not cells - they are the remains of former cellular structures, therefore it is more correct to call them platelets].

Erythrocytes (red blood cells)

The most numerous formed elements of blood. For men 4.8-5.5*10(12) dm(3), for women 3.5-4.9*10(12) dm(3). This quantitative difference is mainly due to androgens and greater muscle mass in men, which requires more oxygen to function.

Approximately 75% of red blood cells have a diameter of 7-8 microns, such red blood cells are called normocytes. If their size is less than 6 microns, then they are microcytes (about 12.5% of them). If more than 9 microns - macrocytes (12.5%). The presence of a higher percentage of micro- and/or macrocytes is called anisocytosis. this indicates some kind of blood disease.

As a rule, erythrocytes have the shape of a biconcave disk. However, other forms of erythrocytes may also occur; if they predominate, then this condition is called poikilocytosis. In humans, they do not contain a nucleus and organelles, but are, as it were, membrane sacs stuffed with hemoglobin (95% of the dry mass of a mature erythrocyte).

The main purpose of erythrocytes is the transport of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide if available), but they also transport many biologically active substances (biologically active substances) immunoglobin, hormones on the surface of their membrane. For medicinal purposes, they are sometimes "loaded" with drugs based on knowledge of the receptors on their cytolemma (i.e., cell membrane).

The life cycle of erythrocytes is about 120 days. Their formation and maturation takes place in the red bone marrow, from where they enter the bloodstream and circulate without leaving the lumen of the vessel. After working out their resource, erythrocytes are destroyed in the spleen (therefore, it is called the "graveyard of erythrocytes").

Leukocytes (white blood cells)

Their number is 3.5-9.0*10(9) dm(3), it may depend on sex, age, ecology and other factors.

Leukocytes go through three phases:

1) in the organs of hematopoiesis (red bone marrow and lymphogenous tissue);

2) circulation in the blood (only a few hours):

3) tissue after leaving the bloodstream (several days, then dies).

For some cells, recirculation is possible - a return to the lumen of the vessels.

The number of leukocytes in a blood smear is described by the leukocyte formula.

The leukocyte formula is the percentage of the number of leukocytes of one type to the total number of leukocytes found in the smear [the percentage of some leukocytes is even less than 1%, so it is desirable to count at least 100 leukocytes]. Leukocytes are divided into two groups according to the presence of granularity in the cytoplasm: 1) Granular (granulocytes). The cytoplasm contains small dust-like granules, poorly distinguishable by conventional microscopy, containing a large number of enzymes (peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, etc.). These granules are stained with various dyes, this is the basis for their division into:,

a) neutrophilic; 49-75%

b) eosinophilic; 1-5%

c) basophilic

2) Non-granular (agranulocytes):

a) lymphocytes

b) monocytes.

Azur-eosin is used for staining (Romanovsky-Giemsa method).

According to the degree of differentiation, neutrophils are divided into young, stab and segmented.

Segmented leukocytes (45-70%) are mature neutrophils, the nucleus consists of 3-5 segments connected by thin bridges. In some nuclei, there may be an outgrowth in the form of a drumstick - a condensed X chromosome. The presence of such chromosomes indicates that the blood is female.

Stab leukocytes (1-3-5%) are younger cells. Their core is $-shaped, but other forms are often found, for example, C-shaped.

Young leukocytes, or meta-leukocytes (0-0.5%). They have a bean-shaped core.

According to the ratio of these forms in the leukocyte formula, a shift to the right or a shift to the left is judged.

A shift to the left - the predominance of young and rod-shaped - indicates irritation of the red bone marrow, a shift to the right - more mature (segmented) and almost absent young and rod-shaped - indicates the suppression of leukocytopoiesis. which is a poor prognostic sign. Since all these stages have different forms, they are referred to as polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Neutpophilic leukocytes make up 50-75% (of the number of leukocytes). Their size in a smear is 10-12 microns. Contain fine dusty neutrophilic granularity.

The development cycle is about 8 days: the hematopoietic phase is about 6 days, the vascular phase is 6-10 hours, the tissue phase is about 2 days. The neutrophilic leukocyte extends beyond the vessel, and. having a positive chemotaxis, it moves with the help of pseudopodia to the focus of irritation, where it plays the role of a microphage: it phagocytizes toxic substances and microorganisms. The phagocytic activity of neutrophils is 70-99%, the phagocytic index (ie the ability to capture a certain number of microorganisms) is 12-25.

Neutrophils form a leukocyte shaft around the focus of inflammation or come to the surface of the epithelial layer at the joints in order to protect the body from damage. Either way, they die.

Eosinophilic leukocytes (2-5%) have dimensions in a smear of 12-14 microns. Slightly oxyphilic stained. In the cytoplasm, large eosin-stained granules (lysosomes) containing a number of biologically active substances, enzymes and other substances that can affect certain cells of the population are determined. They have a bilobed core (like a bunch of boxing gloves). The life cycle reaches 5-6 days in the hematopoietic organs, 6 or less in the bloodstream, and several days - the tissue phase. Eosinophilic leukocytes are microphages, but they are specialized to engulf antigen-antibody complexes that form during a humoral response to a foreign substance or during an allergic reaction.

The number of eosinophils increases with helminth infestations, eczema, childhood infections, especially their number increases in those places where the greatest number of antibody-antigen complexes are formed, i.e. along the respiratory tract and intestines.

Basophilic leukocytes (0-0.5%) are in many ways similar to the previous ones, but differ in the content of biologically active substances. Their sizes are 11-13 microns.

The life cycle also consists of three phases: hematopoietic (in the red bone marrow) - 2-4 days; vascular - several hours; tissue - 10 hours or more. The cytoplasm is oxyphilic, the nucleus is 5-shaped, has several lobes. In the cytoplasm, the lysosomal apparatus is well expressed, large basophilic granules containing histamine and heparin, which change the permeability of the walls of blood vessels. An increase in the content of basophilic leukocytes is associated with severe systemic lesions or intoxications.

Agranulocytes A. Lymphocytes

Make up 25-35% in the leukocyte formula. Divided according to size:

1) small lymphocytes (4-6 microns).

2) medium (7-8 microns),

3) large (up to 14 microns).

In the peripheral blood, large lymphocytes are not normally found, they are localized in individual organs (lungs, liver, kidneys) and play the role of natural killers of prethymic nature (natural killer), which are responsible for immunity in the period before the appearance of the thymus gland in those organs where the likelihood meeting with the antigen is the highest.

Lymphocytes have large round nuclei. The cytoplasm in small lymphocytes is visible in the form of a rim around the nucleus, and in large cytoplasm - more. Sometimes lymphocytes are seen as purple balls due to the fact that the basophilic cytoplasm seems to merge with the nucleus. In the cytoplasm, organelles, a lysosomal apparatus, and nonspecific granularity are detected.

According to functional features, all lymphocytes are divided into three groups: 1) T-lymphocytes, 2) B-lymphocytes. 3) 0-lymphocytes [null-lymphocytes].

T-lymphocytes

Thymus-dependent lymphocytes are formed in the thymus gland. The most common leukocytes (among lymphocytes 60-70%). By size, they are medium lymphocytes. They are divided into classes:

1) T-killers - these lymphocytes have cell antigen receptors on their membrane, i.e. they recognize atypical cells ("foreign" and degenerate "self", including cancer cells and transplant cells). Cytotoxic substances are released that destroy the cytolemma of this cell. Water rushes into the formed membrane defects, which literally breaks the cell. T-killers are responsible for cellular immunity and transplant rejection.

2) T-helpers are only able to recognize the antigen by their receptors, and then "transfer" it to B-lymphocytes. That. T-helpers are involved in humoral immunity. Also, T-helpers stimulate the transformation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells in response to an antigenic stimulus, stimulates the production of antibodies by them.

3) T-suppressors suppress the previous two populations (immunity cells), which is necessary, for example, during pregnancy [at this point, T-suppressors are produced by the placenta).

4) T-amplifiers perform the function of a kind of dispatchers that monitor the relationship among all varieties of T-lymphocytes.

5) Memory T-lymphocytes are formed as a result of an immune response, they carry information about already encountered antigens, providing a quick immune response when exposed to this antigen again. These cells are long-lived, can exist for decades. The existence of these cells is due to artificial immunization methods - vaccination and the use of sera.

B-lymphocytes

The name comes from the Bag of Fabricius, first discovered in the protrusion of the cloaca of birds (Bag of Fabricius) - a homologous process of a person.

Responsible for the humoral immune response. They produce antibodies during the immune response (specific - immunoglobulins, nonspecific - gamma globulin). Distinguish:

1) activated B-lymphocytes. which, in the course of the immune response, turn into plasma cells that produce only antibodies:

2) weakly activated B-lymphocytes. which are capable of producing antibodies but remain in the bloodstream.

3) Memory B-lymphocytes - recirculating lymphocytes: they are brought into the tissues with blood, then they pass into the lymph, again into the blood, such circulation occurs throughout the life of the cell. When re-encountered with an antigen, they turn into lymphoblasts (“rejuvenate”), which proliferate, which leads to the rapid formation of effector lymphocytes, the action of which is directed to a specific antigen.

4) B-suppressors.

Lymphocytes are formed in the red bone marrow, pass into the vessels, enter the thymus (semi-stem cells), where they differentiate, and a certain block of receptors is formed on their surface, which can recognize certain antigens. In the process of differentiation, they produce immunoglobulin M, C, A, E, D.

0-lymphocytes

Make up 5-10% of the number of lymphocytes. This group includes still undifferentiated, already destructured lymphocytes, or lymphocytes with an unknown function, as well as blood stem cells, natural killers. Among all lymphocytes, large ones make up approximately 5-6%.

Agranuloitis B. Monocytes

These are leukocytes 16-18 microns in size, up to 22 microns in a blood smear. In the leukocyte formula, they make up 6-8%. They have a bone marrow origin, passing through the vessels, they complete their differentiation and turn into macrophages (1-1.5 months). Leaving the vessels, they form a single macrophage system, which consists of separate populations of macrophages in the area of the alleged infection gate. These are macrophages:

* respiratory tract

* respiratory department

* pleurae (pleural macrophages)

* peritoneum (peritoneal macrophages)

* Liver (Kupffer cells)

* connective tissue (histocytes)

* lymph nodes

* spleen

* bone marrow [conditions are sterile, so there is no phagocytosis function]

* bone tissue (osteoclasts)

* nervous tissue (microglia)

Monocytes have a large nucleus, bean-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The cytoplasm is weakly basophilic. Mesosomes are found in large numbers in it, the lysosomal apparatus gradually matures.

Blood monocytes stay in tissues for a long time (from 1 day to several years), usually they are resident macrophages.

Platelets (platelets)

On the smear are arranged in groups of 6-12. Platelets are represented by parts of destroyed megakaryocytes, which in the red bone marrow are in contact with the wall of the sinusoidal complex, their processes penetrate into the capillary; Gradually, the cell breaks down and platelets are formed. A hyalomer (part of the hyaloplasm) and a granulomere are isolated in it, in which granularity is determined, i.e. remnants of organelles (mitochondria, Golgi complex). According to the degree of maturity, five groups of platelets are distinguished.

Platelets are responsible for the integrity of the vessel wall, but take part in the formation of a thrombus. They can tolerate many BAS. They are adapted for the transfer of drugs.

Many factors influence the number of platelets. Some of them are thrombopoietins produced by the spleen. They reduce the platelet titer, therefore, with a sharp decrease in the number of platelets, they practice removing part of the spleen.

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erythrocytes in the blood

Erythrocytes and leukocytes perform a very important function in the human body, for example, the supply of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body cells directly depends on erythrocytes. This happens as follows - erythrocytes squeeze through the capillary vessels of the lungs, up to the alveoli, but the walls of the vessels are very narrow and the erythrocytes cannot completely pass through, hemoglobin helps them in this. These cells contain iron in their composition, and it can reach the pulmonary vesicles, which contain oxygen. Hemoglobin forms an unstable compound oxyhemoglobin with it. Further, the hemoglobin cell changes its color and the same happens with the blood, which is saturated with oxygen - from dark it becomes bright scarlet. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and cells use it to burn the hydrogen received with food. Exhaust carbon dioxide is sent to the lungs, from where it is excreted with a human exhalation.

It is very difficult to provide oxygen to 10 trillion cells, so there must be a lot of red blood cells, about 25 trillion. Scientists theorists argue that if red blood cells are pulled out of the body and folded into a chain, then they can wrap the globe five times, because their length will be approximately 200,000 km. More than 200 billion red blood cells are produced daily in the bone marrow to maintain the full viability of a person. The lifespan of red blood cells is short, they tend to self-destruct after 4 months in the spleen.

Erythrocytes and leukocytes in the blood have certain norms, often the indicators may differ for different return categories. The number of erythrocytes for women in the normal state is approximately 3.4-5.1 × 10 12 / l, for men 4.1-5.7 × 10 12 / l, in childhood 4-6.6 × 10 12 / l. Any deviations from these indicators may indicate disorders in the bone marrow and hematopoiesis processes. High levels of red blood cells in the blood may indicate diseases such as:

inflammation of the bronchi;
laryngitis;
pneumonia;
heart muscle defects;
erythremia;
Aerz's disease;
diphtheria;
whooping cough;
oncological formations in the kidneys, liver and pituitary gland.

It should be noted that increased erythrocytes and leukocytes can be observed during a long stay in the mountains, where the production of cells by the bone marrow increases due to an increase in air pressure. Sometimes, a person may even feel an attack of shortness of breath without physical exertion and lack of air. Dehydration of the body can affect the indicators of erythrocytes, which is often noted with diarrhea and violation of the drinking regimen. Reduced red blood cells may be due to anemia. With low levels of red blood cells, the doctor can diagnose diseases such as:

myxedema;
the presence of bleeding in the internal organs;
cirrhosis;
hemolysis;
neoplasms in the bone marrow or metastases in it;
infectious diseases;
lack of vitamin B and folic acid.

In addition to the above pathological processes, the period of pregnancy can also be attributed, during which a reduced number of red blood cells is constantly noted. In the process of bearing a child, this is the norm and does not require significant therapeutic correction, just proper nutrition and vitamin therapy are enough.

Leukocytes in the blood

In addition to red blood cells, the bone marrow produces white blood cells - leukocytes. They perform a protective function in the body and are the human immune system. At the slightest damage to the skin, internal organs or the penetration of bacteria, leukocytes are the first to rush into battle and eliminate foreign microorganisms. In their composition, leukocytes have several groups of cells that also take part in the fight against foreign agents, but differ in their action - some secrete a special substance that kills bacteria, while others absorb the antigen and die with them.

Such "selflessness" of cells is justified, because a person thus gets rid of the disease. After dying, the cell decomposes, but releases a substance that lures the rest of the leukocytes, which continue to fight the disease or a foreign agent. As a result, when taking tests, any increase in leukocytes indicates pathological processes in the body.

Leukocytes can also be elevated when a new organ is transplanted, the human body does not accept a foreign object and initially tries to get rid of it. A very interesting fact is that when an animal feels danger, the number of leukocytes in its blood rises. The body thus prepares itself for the possible need to defend itself. This instinct is present in a person, when a person exposes himself to great physical exertion, emotional experiences, and also experiences fear, the content of leukocytes in the body increases.

The rate of leukocytes in the blood is determined by the content of the optimal number of all constituent cells. The leukocyte formula includes indicators such as neutrophils - aimed at the destruction of bacterial microflora, their norm in the blood should be 55%; monocytes - perform the function of absorbing foreign agents that will be in the blood, the number of monocytes should be 5%; eosinophils - come into the fight against allergens and make up 2.5%.

In general, the number of leukocytes differs depending on the age and gender of the person:

Newborns up to 3 days - from 7 to 32 × 10 9 U / l;
Children under one year - from 6 to 17.5 × 10 9 U / l;
1 - 2 years - from 6 to 17 × 10 9 U / l;
2 - 6 years - from 5 to 15.5 × 10 9 U / l;
6 - 16 years old - from 4.5 to 13.5 × 10 9 U / l;
16 - 21st year - from 4.5 to 11 × 10 9 U / l;
adult men - from 4.2 to 9 × 10 9 U / l;
adult women - from 3.98 to 10.4 × 10 9 U / l;
elderly men - from 3.9 to 8.5 × 10 9 U / l;
elderly women - from 3.7 to 9 × 10 9 U / l.

Few people know what an increased number of leukocytes means, in medicine this condition is called leukocytosis, more often older people suffer from it due to reduced immunity. Elevated white blood cells may indicate:

infectious diseases;
bacterial infections;
otitis;
purulent processes in the body;
injuries and surgeries;
burns and frostbite;
viral infections;
intestinal inflammation;
blood loss;
myocardial infarction;
leukemia;
mononucleosis;
kidney failure.

Increased leukocytes can also be in other diseases, the task of the doctor is to compare the patient's symptoms, the results of a blood test and the indicators obtained during the ultrasound examination.

Leukocytes can be lowered in case of a lack of B vitamins, folic acid, as well as iron and copper. Irradiation, as well as autoimmune diseases that remain without proper treatment, can also provoke a decrease in leukocytes. In general, with low levels of leukocytes, the doctor can draw conclusions about the poor state of the immune forces.

How to deal with bad performance?

In order to normalize the indicators of a biochemical blood test, a person must undergo appropriate therapy. You can increase low red blood cells in the blood by increasing the amount of iron-containing foods in your diet, these include:

legumes;
prunes;
egg yolks;
red meat;
raisin;
lentils.

The use of an increased amount of vitamin C and A is shown, they can be purchased at pharmacies or consumed with food. If the diet and the rejection of bad habits do not work, a blood transfusion is prescribed. In rare cases, a bone marrow transplant is needed that has stopped producing red blood cells for the patient. If red blood cells decrease too rapidly, removal of the spleen is recommended in some situations, as it is the spleen that destroys red blood cells. To reduce the processes of destruction, removal of the organ is recommended.

An increased number of red blood cells will be treated depending on the disease that provoked it, a detailed diagnosis is required. If no deviations are found, then a high-quality drinking regimen will help to lower the number of red blood cells in the blood. Sometimes chlorinated water, which is often found in the pipelines of multi-storey buildings, is the cause of an increased number of red blood cells.

If there are low leukocytes, then a diet with an increased amount of folic acid is prescribed, as well as Pentoxyl, Leukogen, Methyluracil preparations. A reduced white blood cell count makes a person defenseless against many diseases. That is why, all therapy will be aimed at strengthening the immune system. At home, a decoction of barley helps to increase the number of leukocytes.

As for elevated leukocytes, they should not be treated, since they are not the cause, but are the result of the situation. The doctor is obliged to detect a pathological process that caused an increased content of leukocytes in the body and begin therapy for the diseased organ. There are a number of cases when there is an increased number of leukocytes, after an illness or surgery, this is considered the norm until a certain time. If the situation does not go away, then the procedure for hardware purification of blood plasma from leukocytes is carried out.

It should be noted that based on a single blood test, it is quite difficult to make a diagnosis, so if you have poor indicators, do not be surprised if you are sent for additional diagnostics. Modern medicine has already learned how to cope with the imbalance of important enzymes in the blood, so it can easily normalize indicators. It is very important to be examined in a timely manner and seek help. A change in blood composition is the first sign of pathological processes in the body and timely diagnosis will help protect the patient from many diseases.

Blood from a finger is given very often. This is necessary after or during the treatment of diseases, before surgery or during pregnancy, to control the level of hemoglobin, which is contained in red blood cells - erythrocytes.

Many people know that if hemoglobin is low, it means that there is not enough iron in the body and it is necessary to replenish this stock. But what to do if the erythrocytes in the blood are elevated, what are the reasons for this, and is treatment needed to reduce this indicator?

The value of red blood cells and the norm of their content in the blood

These cells are directly involved in the process of respiration, as they are transporters of oxygen from the lungs throughout the body, and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. Therefore, for the normal functioning of all organs, it is necessary that there be a certain amount of these cells in the blood.

It is believed that normally for an adult per 1 liter of red blood cells should be:

in women - from 3.7 to 4.7x10¹²;
in men - from 4.0 to 5.3x10¹².

An insufficient amount of red blood cells in the blood is called erythropy, and an increased content is called erythrocytosis or polycythemia.

Why are erythrocytes elevated in a blood test?

A person who monitors his health will definitely be interested in why he has an increased level of red blood cells in his blood. Noticing this, you should seek advice from a hematologist, who will highlight the following causes of this pathology:

insufficient intake of vitamins or lack of them as a result of improper liver function;
neoplasms that provoke the production of red blood cells (hypernephroma, cerebellar hemangioma);
hypoxemia (lack of oxygen): chronic with lung diseases or temporary - when you are at a height where the air is rarefied;
dehydration or excessively hot weather, especially during long-term heavy loads;
taking medications (for example: steroids and corticosteroids);
congenital or acquired heart defects;
erythremia - a blood disease in which there is an increased production of red blood cells for still unknown reasons;
improper functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands, resulting in the release of too much erythropoietin;
malignant tumor and the use of radiation therapy to treat it;
the use of low-quality water, that is, chlorinated, dirty or highly carbonated.
an insufficient amount of enzymes necessary for digestion, so the body has to produce more red blood cells in order to digest food;
smoking, due to excess carboxyhemoglobin.

Since there are a lot of reasons that cause an increased number of red blood cells in the blood, only a specialist can determine what provoked this process in you and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Increased red blood cells - treatment

Naturally, it is precisely the increased number of red blood cells in the blood that is not treated separately. This can be removed only by eliminating the causes, that is, diseases or factors that provoke the production of excess cells.

It is necessary to control the quality of the water (so that there is not too much chlorine) and the amount of fluid you drink per day. An adult needs to consume at least 1 liter, and at high air temperatures even 2 liters.

For problems in the work of the stomach, add fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet. This will not only help in regulating the production of red blood cells by improving the digestion process, but will also contribute to the formation of red cells of the correct form.

Since the consequence of an increase in the number of red cells in the blood is the formation of blood clots, in some cases it is recommended to carry out bloodletting procedures using leeches, injections or incisions.

What does elevated red blood cells mean, what should be their norm?

How to set the number of red blood cells?

To determine the number of red cells, it is necessary to donate blood from a finger. In some diseases, elevated red blood cells are found as a result, but there are few such pathologies, although they are quite serious. This phenomenon in medicine is called erythrocytosis, but not only diseases can lead to its development.

Functions of red blood cells

The main task of red blood cells is to transport oxygen to various cells of the human body and remove carbon dioxide from it. In addition, they provide nutrition at the cellular level and protect the body from various toxic substances. In addition to all of the above, it is these components of the blood that are responsible for the acid balance, ensuring the normal process of blood clotting and participating in vital biochemical processes. The average lifespan of one such cell is approximately 4 months, after which it ages and is destroyed in the spleen. Elevated red blood cells indicate the presence of some failures in the body, being the first alarm signal indicating internal changes.

Causes of an increase in the volume of red blood cells:

- drinking dirty, highly carbonated or chlorinated water;

Lack of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of food;

Hot weather;

Excessive physical activity;

Deficiency of fluid in the body;

Lack of vitamins;

Liver failure;

kidney disease;

Inflammation of an infectious and non-infectious nature;

Intoxication;

blood diseases;

Malignant neoplasms;

heart attack;

Vaccination;

Stroke;

Exposure to harmful radiation;

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Physiological conditions in which an increased volume of red blood cells is observed include the menstrual period, pregnancy, and taking certain medications. For example, the use of calcium chloride and acetylsalicylic acid.

This phenomenon is observed in inflammatory diseases, infections and tumors. An analysis to determine the number of red blood cells is prescribed as a screening study during preventive examinations. As a rule, such a test is not used to detect a specific disease, but in a complex of general tests. In order for the analysis to show the most reliable result, it must be carried out on an empty stomach, otherwise elevated red blood cells may be detected, which have nothing to do with the disease. However, not only the volume, but also the shape of red blood cells plays an important role for the human body. For example, an increased content of oval red blood cells, which have different sizes, indicates a deficiency of B vitamins and folic acid. In some cases, halves of these cells are found in the blood, which indicates an increase in the amount of free radicals. If the analysis showed elevated red blood cells, you should not panic, because very often this phenomenon is provoked by hot weather or prolonged work at the computer.

Erythrocytes in the blood: normal. What is the danger of an increase and decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood?

Red blood cells are the cells that contain the largest amount of the red pigment hemoglobin. The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the human body, delivering it to all tissues and organs. That is why erythrocytes are directly involved in the processes of respiration. In the blood, the norm of these cells is from 3.7 to 4 per 1 liter.

Erythrocytes are disc-shaped. These cells at the edges are slightly thicker than in the center, and on the cut they look like a biconcave lens. This structure helps them to be saturated with oxygen and carbon dioxide as much as possible, passing through the bloodstream of the body. Under the action of a special kidney hormone - erythropoietin - in the red bone marrow, the formation of red blood cells occurs.

Mature erythrocytes moving in the blood do not contain a nucleus and cannot combine nucleic acids and hemoglobin. Red blood cells have a low metabolic rate, and therefore their lifespan is approximately 120 days from the moment they enter the bloodstream. At the end of the term, "old" red blood cells are destroyed in the liver and spleen.

Erythrocytes in the blood - the norm for women, men and children

For the normal functioning of internal organs and systems in the human body, blood cells must be present in sufficient quantities. The leading role in this case is played by erythrocytes in the blood (the norm is from 3.7 to 4 per 1 liter). These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body.

What is the rate of erythrocytes in the blood for a person? It depends on the gender

and age group.

The norm for women is 3.7–4.7x1012 / l.
For men, the norm varies from 4.0 to 5.3x1012 / l.

The norm of erythrocytes in the blood of a child is from 2.7 to 4.9x1012 / l (at the age of 2 months of life), from 4.0 to 5.2x1012 / l (at the age of 6 to 12 years). Any deviations from the norm are associated with the presence of pathological processes in the body. Daily fluctuations of these cells in the blood should not exceed 0.5x1012 / l.

What does the fluctuation of erythrocytes in the blood mean?

The physiological deviation of the number of erythrocytes upwards can occur with the following factors:

intense muscle work;
emotional arousal;
fluid loss due to increased sweating.

A decrease in the number of "oxygen" cells in the blood contributes to drinking and eating a lot. Deviations from the norm arising from the listed reasons are usually short-term, and are associated with nothing more than the distribution of red blood cells, thinning or thickening of the blood.

What diseases contribute to changes in erythrocyte parameters?

For the diagnosis of many diseases, the level of erythrocytes in the blood plays an important role. The norm or deviations from it indicate the absence or presence of one or another
illness. With an increase in the number of blood cells, we are talking about the presence of diseases associated with the blood system or oxygen starvation.

A decrease in erythrocyte counts in the blood is the main laboratory sign of anemia. Usually, such changes are associated with large blood loss or anemia. In the presence of chronic blood loss, deviations from the norm may be insignificant or completely absent.

What is the reason for the increase in the level of blood cells?

If the red blood cells in the blood are higher than normal, then this may indicate the presence of the following reasons that caused pathological processes in the body:

deficiency of vitamins in case of abnormal liver function;
a neoplasm that stimulates the production of red blood cells;
temporary or chronic oxygen deficiency;
treatment with corticosteroids or steroids;
acquired or congenital heart defects;
undergoing a course of radiation therapy;
drinking contaminated or chlorinated water;
lack of enzymes necessary for the digestion of food;
smoking increases the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the body.

Only an experienced hematologist can find out the reason for the increase in the number of blood cells in the body. Therefore, one should not independently deal with such changes in the blood: this can lead to the development of irreversible processes. Self-medication, and even more so traditional medicine, is not appropriate in this case.

erythropenia

The leading positions among the cells of the bloodstream in terms of abundance are occupied by
erythrocytes in the blood. The norm of the number of these cells decreases in the presence of
the following factors:

anemia of various genesis;
acute leakage of the connecting fluid;
permanent blood loss (uterine, intestinal or hemorrhoidal bleeding);
disorders of the endocrine system;
infectious diseases.

There is a relative and absolute reduction in the number of red blood cells in the blood. With a relative (false) decrease, a large amount of fluid enters the bloodstream. The blood thins, but despite this, the level of red cells is maintained.

Absolute erythropenia refers to insufficient production of red blood cells. This type of disease is also characterized by forced death of blood cells due to blood loss. A decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood is considered a criterion for anemia, but this circumstance does not indicate the essence of its development.

Diagnosis and treatment of erythropenia

To find out the reason for the decrease in the level of red blood cells in the bloodstream, it is not enough to conduct only a general analysis. In this case, there is a need for the appointment of auxiliary examinations. If we take into account the indications obtained in practice, then the trigger for the development of anemia is in most cases iron deficiency.

It is not difficult to determine the decrease in the rate of blood cells, it is enough to monitor your well-being and, if general weakness, frequent infectious diseases and subfebrile temperature appear, consult a doctor for help. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis of erythropenia after studying the results of a detailed blood test. If the rate of erythrocytes (leukocytes) in the blood remains low during 3 blood samples in a row, then the patient needs immediate medical attention.

Treatment of this disease includes identifying the causes of the development of the pathological process and its elimination. It is not advisable to influence the low level of blood cells by increasing it. If erythropenia has developed as a result of the use of drugs, then their intake should be stopped, replacing them with safer analogues.

As additional research procedures are assigned

the following:

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and abdominal region;
bone marrow puncture;
general urine analysis.

To restore normal levels of red blood cells in the blood, it is important to take medicines that contain substances that increase hemoglobin.

Erythrocytosis (polycythemia)

Erythrocytosis (polycythemia) is an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, which is accompanied by an increase in hemoglobin levels. It is possible to distinguish the primary, secondary acquired and hereditary type of the disease. Causes
development of erythrocytosis are as follows:

arterial hypoxemia;
chronic lung diseases;
congenital heart defects;
pathology of the vessels of the lungs;
violation of the transport functions of hemoglobin.

The clinical picture of this disease is a variety of symptoms, which are determined by the essence of the leading pathological process. When conducting hemograms, an increase in blood cell counts is detected. The rate of platelets and leukocytes remains unchanged. As complications, the development of pancytosis should be singled out, which significantly complicates the processes of diagnosing the disease.

Treatment of erythrocytosis (polycythemia)

The principles of treatment of polycythemia are based on the elimination of the causes that cause the disease. In the presence of hypoxic forms of the disease, oxygen therapy is mandatory. Vascular shunts are removed with surgical treatment. Smokers are strongly advised to get rid of this bad habit. Persons suffering from overweight are prescribed a fasting diet.

In some cases, the cause of the development of erythrocytosis cannot be completely or partially eliminated. In such a case, the degree of threat associated with the disease and the likelihood of undesirable consequences are assessed. The most commonly prescribed procedure is to reduce hematocrit (tissue hypoxia). Bloodletting is carried out with caution in case of heart defects, obstructive pulmonary diseases. Small bloodletting is allowed 1 time in 7 days, 200 ml each. Hematocrit should not fall by more than 50%.

The appointment of cytostatic drugs with an increase in the number of red blood cells is not allowed. The prognosis of the effectiveness of the treatment is directly dependent on the progression of the underlying pathological process. The danger of erythrocytosis lies in the development of thrombotic complications.

ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation in the blood is a fairly well-known indicator in laboratory studies. If the indicators increase, then this means that functional processes are disturbed in the body. Most often, the level of erythrocyte sedimentation increases with the penetration of bacteria, fungi or viruses into the blood. This is due to a change in protein ratios due to an increase in the level of protective antibodies.

In the presence of mild inflammatory processes, the rates increase to 15 or 20 mm / h, with severe inflammation - from 60 to 80 mm / h. If during the treatment period the indicators decrease, then the treatment is chosen correctly. It should be noted that the level of ESR may be elevated during pregnancy and menstruation.

Deciphering the general blood test

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The decoding of the general blood test is carried out in several stages, during which the main blood parameters are evaluated. Modern laboratories are equipped with equipment that automatically determines the main blood parameters. Such equipment usually gives the results of the analysis in the form of a printout, in which the main blood parameters are indicated by abbreviations in English. The table below will present the main indicators of the general blood test, their corresponding English abbreviations and norms.

Indicator

What does this mean

Norm

RBC count(RBC is an English abbreviation red blood cell count is the number of red blood cells).

Red blood cells perform an important function of supplying the tissues of the body with oxygen, as well as removing carbon dioxide from the tissues, which is then released through the lungs. If the level of red blood cells is below normal (anemia), the body receives insufficient amounts of oxygen. If the level of red blood cells is higher than normal (polycythemia, or erythrocytosis), there is a high risk that red blood cells stick together and block the movement of blood through the vessels (thrombosis).

For more information, see Increase and decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood.

4.3-6.2 x 10 to the 12th degree / l for men

3.8-5.5 x 10 to the 12th degree / l for women

3.8-5.5 x 10 to the 12th degree / l for children

Hemoglobin(HGB, Hb)

Hemoglobin is a special protein that is found in red blood cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen to organs. A decrease in hemoglobin levels (anemia) leads to oxygen starvation of the body. An increase in hemoglobin levels, as a rule, indicates a high number of red blood cells, or dehydration.

Hematocrit(HCT)

Hematocrit is an indicator that reflects how much blood is occupied by red blood cells. The hematocrit is usually expressed as a percentage: for example, a hematocrit (HCT) of 39% means that 39% of the blood volume is represented by red blood cells. Elevated hematocrit occurs with erythrocytosis (increased number of red blood cells in the blood), as well as with dehydration. A decrease in hematocrit indicates anemia (a decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood), or an increase in the amount of the liquid part of the blood.

39 – 49% for men

35 – 45% for women

RBC distribution width(RDWc)

The distribution width of erythrocytes is an indicator that indicates how much erythrocytes differ in size from each other. If both large and small red blood cells are present in the blood, the width of the distribution will be higher, this condition is called anisocytosis. Anisocytosis is a sign of iron deficiency and other types of anemia.

Average erythrocyte volume(MCV)

The mean volume of a red blood cell allows the doctor to obtain information about the size of the red blood cell. Mean cell volume (MCV) is expressed in femtoliters (fl) or cubic micrometers (µm3). Red blood cells with a small average volume are found in microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc. Red blood cells with an increased average volume are found in megaloblastic anemia (anemia that develops when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body).

The average content of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte(MCH)

The average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell allows the doctor to determine how much hemoglobin is contained in one red blood cell. The mean erythrocyte hemoglobin content, MCH, is expressed in picograms (pg). A decrease in this indicator occurs with iron deficiency anemia, an increase in megaloblastic anemia (with a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid).

26 - 34 pg (pg)

The average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte(ICSU)

The average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte reflects how saturated the erythrocyte is with hemoglobin. A decrease in this indicator occurs with iron deficiency anemia, as well as with thalassemia (a congenital blood disease). There is practically no increase in this indicator.

30 - 370 g/l (g/l)

Platelet count(blood platelets, PLT is an English abbreviation platelets- plates)

Platelets are small platelets of blood that are involved in the formation of a blood clot and prevent blood loss when blood vessels are damaged. An increase in the level of platelets in the blood occurs in some blood diseases, as well as after operations, after the removal of the spleen. A decrease in the level of platelets occurs in some congenital blood diseases, aplastic anemia (disruption of the bone marrow that produces blood cells), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (destruction of platelets due to increased activity of the immune system), cirrhosis of the liver, etc.

180 – 320 × 109/l

White blood cell count(WBC is an English abbreviation white blood cell count- number of white blood cells

Read more: Decrease and increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood

4.0 – 9.0 × 10 to the 9th degree/l

A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that is responsible for developing immunity and fighting germs and viruses. The number of lymphocytes in different analyzes can be presented as an absolute number (how many lymphocytes were found), or as a percentage (what percentage of the total number of leukocytes are lymphocytes). The absolute number of lymphocytes is usually denoted LYM# or LYM. The percentage of lymphocytes is referred to as LYM% or LY%. An increase in the number of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) occurs in some infectious diseases (rubella, influenza, toxoplasmosis, infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, etc.), as well as in blood diseases (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, etc.). A decrease in the number of lymphocytes (lymphopenia) occurs with severe chronic diseases, AIDS, kidney failure, taking certain drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).
Read more: Decrease and increase in the level of lymphocytes in the blood

LYM# 1.2 - 3.0x109/l (or 1.2-63.0x103/µl)

Read more: Decrease and increase in the level of eosinophils in the blood

MID# (MID, MXD#) 0.2-0.8 x 109/l

MID% (MXD%) 5 – 10%

Number of granulocytes(GRA, GRAN)

Granulocytes are white blood cells that contain granules (granular white blood cells). Granulocytes are represented by 3 types of cells: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. These cells are involved in the fight against infections, in inflammatory and allergic reactions. The number of granulocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute terms (GRA#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (GRA%).

Granulocytes are usually elevated when there is inflammation in the body. A decrease in the level of granulocytes occurs with aplastic anemia (loss of the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells), after taking certain medications, as well as with systemic lupus erythematosus (connective tissue disease), etc.

GRA# 1.2-6.8 x 109/l (or 1.2-6.8 x 103/µl)

Number of monocytes(MON)

Monocytes are leukocytes that, once in the vessels, soon leave them into the surrounding tissues, where they turn into macrophages (macrophages are cells that absorb and digest bacteria and dead cells of the body). The number of monocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute terms (MON#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (MON%). An increased content of monocytes occurs in some infectious diseases (tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, etc.), rheumatoid arthritis, and blood diseases. A decrease in the level of monocytes occurs after major operations, taking drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).

Read more: Decrease and increase in the level of monocytes in the blood

MON# 0.1-0.7 x 109/l (or 0.1-0.7 x 103/µl)

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR, ESR.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an indicator that indirectly reflects the content of proteins in the blood plasma. Elevated ESR indicates possible inflammation in the body due to increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood. In addition, an increase in ESR occurs with anemia, malignant tumors, etc. A decrease in ESR is rare and indicates an increased content of red blood cells (erythrocytosis), or other blood diseases.

Up to 10 mm/h for men

Up to 15 mm/h for women

It should be noted that some laboratories indicate other norms in the test results, this is due to the presence of several methods for calculating indicators. In such cases, the interpretation of the results of a general blood test is carried out according to specified standards.