What are leukocytes responsible for in the human body? What are they for, their functions. What important role do white blood cells play in our body? Types and characteristics of leukocytes

Leukocytes are a heterogeneous group of cells originating from the organs of the hematopoietic system, belonging to the “white cells” of the blood, which carry various, mainly immune, functions. Leukocytes are a kind of barrier and “guardian” of the body, allowing you to maintain the constancy of the internal environment, protect yourself from many external infectious influences and destroy your own dead cells. The condition in which the number of these cells increases is called leukocytosis, which is a universal protective mechanism formed during the process of evolution.

Elevated leukocytes in the blood - what does this mean?

Leukocytosis includes a broad concept, a special state of the hematopoietic system, characterized by an increase in the number of white blood cells per unit volume - leukocytes.

Leukocytosis is a condition that occurs in a wide range of internal, infectious and other diseases, always requiring clarification of the nature and cause of the increase in the number of white blood cells.

Leukocytes have the most important function of protecting the body from foreign agents (bacteria, viruses and other pathogens), its own dead cells, areas of necrosis, and have the unique ability to recognize pathogens and destroy them by phagocytosis or through the synthesis of specific immunoglobulins, antibodies, interferons. Lymphocytes are involved in the implementation and launch of many immune mechanisms and allergic reactions.

The number of leukocytes in a healthy person is strictly regulated. The quantitative composition of white blood cells directly depends on age, functional state, time of meal and, most importantly, on the presence of a particular disease, often of an inflammatory nature.

The total number of white blood cells is constant, subject to slight fluctuations and is 4.5-10 x 10 9 / l. Any significant deviation in one direction or another usually indicates health problems.

To make a diagnosis and clarify the etiology of the disease, there is not always enough information about the total content of leukocytes per unit volume of plasma. It is also necessary to know the content of each type of leukocyte in percentage and quantitative terms (of the total number of these cells, taken as 100%).

The content of each type of leukocyte, expressed as a percentage, also has a relatively constant composition. Each type of leukocyte (segmented, lymphocyte, basophilic or eosinophilic leukocyte) performs its own unique functions, so deviations are extremely important for making a correct diagnosis and can often serve as pathognomonic symptoms of a certain disease and hematopoietic condition.

One of the basic functions of leukocytes is their ability to destroy foreign substances and pathogens using the type of phagocytic reactions (phagocytosis). In addition, without leukocytes, restoration and regeneration of damaged tissues, aggregation, or gluing, of blood platelets during the formation of a blood clot are impossible.

Phagocytosis- a complex set of physiological protective reactions, expressed in the possibility of migration of leukocytes from the lumen of the capillary to the site of inflammation, the destruction of foreign or own dead or damaged cells, the formation of a protective local barrier that prevents the spread of pathogenic substances throughout the body.

The fight against infectious agents through phagocytic reactions is more inherent neutrophilic types of leukocytes. With inflammation, these types of leukocytes, and especially the stab ones, begin to increase in the blood count (in percentage terms). This explains the increase in the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood in response to any disease of an inflammatory nature.

In addition to exceeding the normal numbers of leukocytes in the blood, or leukocytosis itself, the opposite situation often occurs when the number of white blood cells is lower than it should be normally. This condition is called leukopenia. Leukopenia is often observed at the onset of viral diseases, with suppression of hematopoiesis, and blood diseases. With leukopenia, it is difficult for the body to fight pathogens and the patient is less protected from infections.

Physiological leukocytosis, its possible causes

Leukocytosis as a universal concept can be observed not only in diseases, that is, be pathological, but also be a reflection of conditions that will be discussed later (physiological increase in the number of leukocytes).

Physiological leukocytosis is a condition in which the number of leukocytes exceeds the physiological norm and is not associated with the disease. For example, such leukocytosis (moderate) occurs during pregnancy, immediately after the period of labor. Also, compensatory leukocytosis is registered in infants of the newborn period (later the number of leukocytes in children decreases, the blood formula of children undergoes consistent changes in the form of a crossover in the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils).

Another reason for the physiological increase in leukocyte cells is the conditions under which increased or decreased temperatures are created (overheating, cooling), after eating food, especially fatty and protein foods (this is one of the reasons why it is advisable to donate blood in the morning, on an empty stomach), as a result of physical stress and heavy stress, including emotional.

As a result of a sharp change in climate, in some people, a study of peripheral blood may reveal transient moderate leukocytosis, which subsequently returns to normal leukocyte counts.

These types of leukocytosis (physiological), as a rule, tend to quickly restore the number of leukocytes. The formula shift can be characterized as neutrophilic(predominance of this type of white blood cells), without gross deviations in hematopoiesis and blood count.

Pathological (disease-related) leukocytosis, its most common causes

Let's consider the most common and significant causes of leukocytosis, which is pathological in nature:

• All acute inflammatory conditions, diseases and exacerbations of chronic infections in the vast majority of cases are accompanied by leukocytosis of varying degrees. The level of increase in leukocytes is directly proportional to the intensity of the inflammatory process.

• Leukocytosis is observed in bacterial infections of the bronchopulmonary system (acute bacterial inflammation of the bronchi, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia), inflammation of the lymphopharyngeal ring (pharyngitis, laryngitis), ENT organs - otitis media, eustachitis, all types of sinusitis.

• Also, leukocytosis can occur in any acute and chronic inflammatory processes localized in the urinary system (pyelonephritis, pyelitis, inflammation of the bladder), genitals.

• In acute surgical pathology - felon, furunculosis, carbuncle, abscess (phlegmon), gangrenous process, peritonitis, inflammation of the appendix (appendix) and others - neutrophilic leukocytosis is often diagnosed.

• The abdominal organs, if they have an inflammatory process or manifestations of appendicitis, cholecystopancreatitis, colitis, can produce changes in the peripheral blood, manifested by leukocytosis.

• Intoxication caused by exposure to one's own toxins or substances formed during necrotic processes, burns, and other thermal effects, in case of renal failure, may be accompanied by leukocytosis.

• Oncological malignant neoplasms and tumor metastases can manifest themselves as leukocytosis with a predominance of those types of leukocytes that are most involved in the process of malignant proliferation. There may be a predominance of lymphocytes (monocytes, basophils and other cells).

• Various types of radiation, ionizing radiation, when exposed to the body, can cause leukocytosis. The significant impact of these physical factors plays a role in the formation hemoblastoses .

• Autoimmune and chemical factors, toxic effects often lead to a compensatory increase in the number of lymphocytes, and a predominance of neutrophil cells (neutrophilic leukocytosis) is often observed.

Most often, in acute inflammatory reactions, the so-called left shift, which manifests itself, along with a general increase in leukocytes, an increase in percentage terms of certain types of these cells (neutrophils, especially stab ones). In this case leukocytosis is called neutrophilic. This means that during inflammatory reactions, the number of white blood cells related to granulocytes increases as a percentage.

In some diseases, the number of leukocytes may increase due to the predominance of lymphocytes or eosinophils, cells of the monocytic series, in the formula.

Other causes of leukocytosis are lymphoproliferation and related tumor diseases of the blood, such as various lymphomas, leukemia (acute, chronic), lymphogranulomatosis.

Assess quantitative changes in the leukocyte formula, interpret test results only a doctor can based on existing clinical signs and symptoms!

Leukocytosis– this is an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood, which is evidence of both normal physiological processes in the body and many diseases. Leukocytes are white blood cells that are formed and mature in bone marrow cells. They participate in protecting the human body from foreign microorganisms. The normal number of white blood cells in the blood fluctuates throughout the day and depends on various factors. For adults, the norm is their amount from 4 to 9 × 10 9 per liter of blood.

Causes of leukocytosis

Among the main causes of leukocytosis are the following:

• The presence of a chronic inflammatory process in the body.
• Acute infectious diseases.
• Tissue damage due to trauma, accompanied by large loss of blood.
• Poor nutrition.
• Autoimmune diseases, severe allergic reactions.
• Bone marrow damage.
• Prolonged stress and psychological stress.
• Use of certain medications.
• Malignant neoplasms.

Types of leukocytosis

There are several classifications of leukocytosis.

1. By the number and distribution of leukocytes:

• Absolute, or true, leukocytosis - its cause is an increase in the production of leukocytes in the bone marrow and their entry in large quantities into the blood.
• Relative, or distributive, leukocytosis - its cause is blood thickening, while leukocytes from the parietal position in the vessels move into the active circulation. As a result of the examination, a blood test shows an increased number, although the total number of leukocytes in the blood remains at a normal level.

2. According to the principle of “pathology - temporary deviation”:

• Pathological leukocytosis– it is also called symptomatic, indicating the presence of infection or purulent inflammation in the body.
• Physiological is a short-term leukocytosis that occurs as a result of stress, during pregnancy, after swimming in too hot or cold water, after physical exercise or eating certain foods.

3. Leukocytes include several types of cells that perform various protective functions: lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, therefore, depending on their type, leukocytosis is divided into:

• Neutrophilic– observed in chronic inflammatory processes, acute infections, various blood diseases.
• Basophilic– the number of basophils increases with nonspecific ulcerative colitis, pregnancy, hypothyroidism.
• Monocytic– observed in malignant tumors and some bacterial infections.
• Eosinophilic– occurs with various allergic reactions of the body, very often with helminthiases.
• Lymphocytic– its cause is such chronic infections as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, syphilis.

Symptoms of leukocytosis

Symptoms of leukocytosis may not appear at all or may be detected in the form of:

• General malaise, state of fatigue, “weakness”.
• Increased body temperature.
• Fainting, dizziness.
• Pain in the muscles, in the abdominal cavity.
• Deviations in vision.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Reducing body weight.

It should be noted that the presence of several of these symptoms may indicate the presence of leukemia, a malignant neoplasm of hematopoietic tissue.

Features of leukocytosis in children

The number of leukocytes in the blood of children varies depending on age: on the first day of life the indicators can be 8.5–24.5 × 10 9 , in one month – 6.5–13.8 × 10 9 , from one year to six years – 5–12×10 9 , at 13–15 years old – 4.3–9.5×10 9 .

Because the number of white blood cells changes very quickly during childhood, parents should not panic if they detect an increased number. However, this should be taken seriously and your white blood cell levels should be monitored regularly using a routine blood test. In children, leukocytosis can be asymptomatic for a long time; if the child’s condition is not monitored, the onset of serious diseases can be missed.

The following factors contribute to the development of leukocytosis:

• Failure to comply with temperature conditions.
• Improper nutrition and distribution of physical activity.
• Stress and hereditary factors.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system, malignant formations.
• Infectious diseases.
• Blood loss and large-scale burns.

It is important to monitor the level of white blood cells in a child's blood to prevent serious consequences. Symptoms that parents need to pay attention to:

• Decreased appetite.
• The child complains of fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• The appearance of bruises on the body.
• Sweating, complaints of dizziness.

The presence of these symptoms, as in adults, may be a signal of the development of leukemia, so additional diagnostics are required.

If after examination it is discovered that leukocytosis in a child is caused by physiological factors, parents should not worry. If leukocytes increase during infectious diseases, their level will quickly return to normal after adequate therapy is prescribed.

If the causes of leukocytosis are more serious diseases, for example, the cardiovascular system, then a specific examination should be immediately carried out and therapy aimed at curing the underlying disease should be prescribed.

Diagnostics

To diagnose leukocytosis, it is enough to conduct a general blood test. To obtain reliable data, blood must be donated in the morning on an empty stomach. If necessary, the doctor will order additional tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy or peripheral blood smear.

Treatment of leukocytosis

Physiological leukocytosis does not require special treatment; it is enough to normalize nutrition, eliminate negative psychological factors and excessive physical activity.

An increase in leukocytes in pregnant women is a normal process; if their number does not exceed 15 × 10 9 per liter of blood, there is no need to worry.

To normalize the level of white blood cells in pathological leukocytosis, it is necessary to prescribe the correct treatment for the disease that caused the change in the number of leukocytes. This may be antibacterial, hormonal, antihistamine therapy; leukemia requires chemotherapy. Once the underlying disease is cured, your blood counts will return to normal on their own.

Sometimes a leukopheresis procedure is required - the extraction of leukocytes from the blood using a special device.

From traditional medicine recipes, you can use a decoction of lingonberry leaves and berries; decoction of strawberry leaves and berries. Eating plant foods, nuts, soybeans, and seeds is also beneficial. Traditional methods of treatment are allowed for use only after determining the cause of leukocytosis and consulting a doctor.

Complications of leukocytosis

Complications of leukocytosis manifest themselves in the form of complications of diseases that cause an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood. Therefore, it is important to diagnose leukocytosis and its causes in a timely manner.

Prevention of leukocytosis

Quite often you hear from doctors: “You have signs of leukocytosis in your blood.” It is often difficult for a patient to understand medical terms and understand what they mean. And various thoughts come to mind, sometimes not the best.

What it is? Leukocytosis is a secondary reaction of the hematopoietic system to any causative factor. It consists of increasing the level of leukocytes in the blood. The diagnostic threshold for adults is 10,000 cells in 1 μl of blood. However, there is one exception to the rule.

If a patient has an initially low level of leukocytes in the range of 3,000–5,000 per μl, then the state of leukocytosis is diagnosed at a level of 8,000–9,000 cells or more per 1 μl.

Causes of leukocytosis + risk factors

The causes of leukocytosis in the blood can be physiological and pathological. In the first case, we are not talking about the disease. This is a normal increase in bone marrow function that occurs during certain periods of age or is associated with a particular condition. Physiological leukocytosis can be of several types:

• Newborn period. Immediately after birth, the level of leukocytes in the child’s body ranges from 9,000 to 30,000/μl. After a week, their number decreases to 5,000–25,000/μl. In some cases, children may experience a protracted course of leukocytosis, in which even at 13 years old the number of these cells is 13,000/μl (without any signs of the disease in the body).
• Digestive - increased leukocytosis 2-3 hours after a meal, and the more abundant it was, the higher its level. It is for this reason that it is recommended to take a blood test on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after the last meal. Otherwise, the likelihood of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment increases.
• Myogenic, associated with the contraction of muscle cells. Therefore, before taking a blood test, it is necessary to exclude intense physical activity.
• Psycho-emotional.
• Orthostatic, observed when changing position from horizontal to vertical.

The causes of pathological leukocytosis can be both infectious and non-infectious. Its development is determined by 2 main mechanisms:

1. Activation of the myeloid and lymphoid lineage of hematopoiesis as a result of the action of certain substances.
2. Increased release of leukocytes from the bone marrow into the general circulation. Normally, not all formed blood cells immediately enter the bloodstream. The bone marrow contains a cellular reserve, which is urgently used up under conditions of increased need, for example, when an infectious agent enters the body.

The most significant stimuli for activation of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow with an increase in the level of leukocytes are:

• bacterial toxins and enzymes;
• products of cell and tissue breakdown;
• hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, adrenaline and norepinephrine, glucocorticoids, i.e. stress hormones, have a stimulating effect)
  biologically active compounds, among which colony-stimulating factors are especially relevant.

This increase in leukocytes in the blood is due to redistribution mechanisms. However, long-term use of these drugs can lead to increased activity of bone marrow hematopoiesis.

Types of leukocytosis classified depending on which cells are elevated. From this point of view, there are:

• neutrophilic
• eosinophilic
• basophilic
• lymphocytic
• monocytic
• mixed forms, in which an increased content of some cells and a decreased content of others can be observed, as well as an increase in both types of cells.

In medicine, leukocytosis means an increase in the number of leukocytes only in the blood. But some doctors use this term to refer to an increase in leukocytes in any biological environment, for example, in vaginal secretions, urine, etc. However, it is not correct to talk about leukocytosis in a smear or in urine.

As a rule, leukocytosis indicates acute diseases; less commonly, it can be observed in chronic pathologies. This is always a secondary syndrome caused by a causative disease. Depending on the type of the latter, the clinical picture will be formed.

There are no specific manifestations for leukocytosis. However, the symptoms of leukocytosis are directly dependent on the cellular characteristics. Therefore, it is important for the doctor to identify which cells exceed the standard values ​​- neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils or others.

Thus, neutrophilic leukocytosis indicates:

• Bacterial infections with a tendency to purulent inflammation (most often their causative agents are staphylococci, streptococci and meningococci).
• Suffered blood loss.
• Acute hemolysis (acute destruction of red blood cells).
• Malignant tumors.
• Hypoxia (lack of oxygen saturation in the body).
• Intoxication that develops when the functioning of internal organs is impaired (for example, uremic intoxication in kidney disease).
• Painful injury.

An important diagnostic symptom is a shift to the left with leukocytosis. It allows you to evaluate its degree. This criterion is the ratio of the number of all segmented neutrophils (functionally mature cells) to non-segmented ones (young forms that practically do not perform immune functions). The normal value of this index is 0.06 – 0.08.

Based on this indicator, it is possible to determine the prognosis of the course of the causative disease. If the index is 0.25 - 0.45, then this corresponds to the regenerative type of changes, for which the prognosis is favorable.

In this case, a large number of band neutrophils appear in the blood. Severe infections with a tendency to generalize and develop purulent-septic complications correspond to a hyperregenerative index (1.0-2.0). The prognosis in this case is unfavorable. Young forms and their precursors (metamyelocytes) appear in the blood, which cannot perform immune functions.

Serious symptom the presence of myeloblasts against the background of a high level of leukocytes is considered. This may indicate acute leukemia (tumor of the hematopoietic system). Less commonly, it can be a sign of a severe purulent-septic condition, in which a leukemoid reaction develops.

Laboratory symptoms of neutrophilic leukocytosis include not only counting the number of white blood cells, but also determining their morphology. Its change in the form of degenerative signs is observed in the case of a strong influence of infectious and toxic factors. Degeneration is indicated by signs such as:

• the presence of granularity inside the cell (in the cytoplasm);
• core fragmentation;
• the appearance of vacuoles;
• change in cell shape (neutrophils with spikes appear, “bitten”, etc.).

The laboratory technician indicates all these changes on the blood test form if he detects them. For a doctor, such signs greatly facilitate the development of a diagnostic search program.

Another option leukocytosis is an increase in the level of eosinophils by more than 5% (eosinophilia). Most often it is regarded as a sign of an allergic process. Therefore, clinical symptoms include manifestations of one of the following diseases:

• hay fever;
• Quincke's edema;
• allergic drug intolerance.

The main symptoms of allergies that a person can independently detect are:

• itchy skin rash;
• suffocation;
• eye redness;
• sneezing;
• mucous discharge from the nose, etc.

In some cases, eosinophilic leukocytosis indicates helminthic infestation (helminthiasis). Therefore, along with the laboratory sign, characteristic clinical manifestations are also present: poor appetite, itching in the perianal area, weight loss and skin rashes, etc.

Sometimes with eosinophilia there may be symptoms of rarer diseases:

• autoimmune (they are characterized by the fact that leukocytes begin to damage the body’s own cells);
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• myeloid leukemia with a chronic course.

Increased basophils in the blood in most cases is a rarely diagnosed condition, because the proportion of these cells in the leukocyte formula is insignificant (from 0.5% to 1%). Basophilia can occur with diseases such as:

• myxedema – tissue swelling associated with a deficiency of thyroid hormones;
• nonspecific ulcerative lesions of the intestine;
• allergic reactions;
• erythremia (tumor, the source of which is the precursors of red blood cells);
• chronic myeloid ycosis.

Monocytosis is a condition in which the number of monocytes in the blood is more than 8%. Monocytic leukocytosis may indicate some specific infections and cancers:

• bacterial infections – septic endocarditis, tuberculosis;
• Infectious mononucleosis;
• systemic inflammatory diseases of connective tissue;
• tumors of the ovaries and mammary glands during the beginning of recovery in women who previously lacked granulocytic leukocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils), i.e. in this case, monocytosis is a prognostically favorable factor.

The detection of lymphocytosis (more than 35%) in peripheral blood is accompanied by a variety of clinical symptoms, because The list of causative diseases is huge. Most often this is:

1. Some chronic and acute infections - whooping cough, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, tuberculosis
2. Malignant tumors – lymphosarcoma, lymphocytic leukemia
3. Endocrine diseases – adrenal insufficiency, increased functional activity of the thyroid gland
4. Lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Unlike inflammatory diseases, this causative condition does not have an increased ESR. Leukocytosis (lymphocytic) is combined with neutropenia (decreased number of neutrophils).

Leukocytosis in children

In addition to the above physiological leukocytosis, children may experience an increase in the level of eosinophils during prematurity, as well as in full-term children up to 3 months of age. This is regarded as a variant of the norm.

In other cases, it is necessary to look for the cause of leukocytosis (an increase in the level of leukocytes above the age norm). They, as in adults, can be different:

• infectious;
• hormonal;
• oncological;
• allergic, etc.

The principles of diagnosis in pediatrics are similar to those in therapy. They are based on the fact that each type of leukocyte is responsible for a specific part of the immune system. Therefore, the cellular composition of a blood test helps to establish a preliminary diagnosis.

Subsequent examination is aimed either at confirming it or excluding it.

Leukocytosis during pregnancy

Leukocytosis during pregnancy in the blood, developing in the second half, is a normal variant. Its appearance is explained by 2 main mechanisms:

1. Redistribution of blood in the body;
2. Activation of the process of formation of leukocytes (leukopoiesis) in the bone marrow.

This feature must be taken into account by doctors of different specialties so as not to prescribe unreasonable examinations that supposedly should reveal the cause of this condition.

If a woman feels well and the pregnancy is more than 20 weeks old, and elevated levels of leukocytes are found in the blood, then further diagnostics are not indicated.

Treatment of leukocytosis always depends on the underlying disease. There is no therapeutic agent that directly reduces the number of white blood cells. Therefore, careful diagnosis is always required.

Most often, leukocytosis is a sign of infection, therefore the most common treatment is antimicrobial (antibacterial or antiviral) and anti-inflammatory.

Leukocytosis of allergic origin can be treated with both non-hormonal drugs (histamine receptor blockers, etc.) and hormonal drugs (corticosteroids). Usually they start with the first ones, and if they are not effective, then hormones are added.

Tumors of the blood system in which leukocytosis appears are an indication for polychemotherapy. It involves the use of cytostatics that have a detrimental effect on uncontrolled dividing cells. Usually a combination of drugs from several groups is required.

Why is leukocytosis dangerous?

The answer to the question of why leukocytosis is dangerous depends on the underlying disease that led to this hematological syndrome. The main complications may be:

• purulent-septic – abscess, phlegmon, etc.;
• peritonitis (inflammatory lesion of the peritoneum);
• metastasis of malignant tumors;
• development of immunopathological diseases (dermatomyositis, etc.).

Basophilic leukocytosis may indicate a poor prognosis for a patient with oncohematological disease. The appearance of basophils in the blood of more than 1% (the norm is 0.5 - 1%) indicates an increased risk of terminal stage leukemia.

It should be noted that very often an increase in the number of white blood cells is observed when urine is collected incorrectly for research. Most often, such errors are observed when a person is not bothered by any symptoms accompanying certain pathologies. Both bacteria and white blood cells can pass into the urine and from the genital tract, so in order to determine a truly accurate number of white blood cells, you must first collect the urine correctly.

To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Collect urine exclusively in a sterile container.
• Before collecting it, it is important to wash the genitals thoroughly with soap.
• For women: Before collecting urine, you should close the vaginal opening with a cotton swab. It is also important to slightly spread the labia so that urine cannot come into contact with them when exiting.
• The first portion of urine must be poured out
• In this case, only a medium portion of urine is needed

White blood cells in a vaginal smear

Detection of white blood cells in a smear is carried out using a microscope, namely at high magnification. A little higher, we already said that an increase in the level of white blood cells in the blood indicates the fact that there is an inflammatory or infectious process in the human body. The same goes for the smear. In a normal healthy state, only a few white blood cells can be detected in a woman’s smear.

If they number in tens or hundreds, it means that one of the infectious pathologies of the vagina is evident. It can be either vaginosis, colpitis and many others. The higher the level of leukocytes, the more powerful the infectious process. For all expectant mothers, the level of white blood cells in the urine must be constantly monitored, since it is in their case that an infection in the vaginal area can lead to tragedy. In pregnant women, the normal level of leukocytes in a smear is considered to be up to ten in the field of view. As a rule, along with an increase in the number of white blood cells in the smear, it is possible to detect an increase in the number of bacteria, as well as fungi, which in fact should not be in the vagina. If you are interested in more information regarding leukocytes in urine, blood and smear, then you should sign up for one that can answer all your questions.

Or white blood cells, are nucleated cells with a diameter of 4-20 microns. Based on their location, leukocytes can be divided into three pools: cells located in the hematopoietic organs, where they are formed, matured, and a certain reserve of leukocytes is formed; contained in blood and lymph; leukocytes of tissues, where they perform their protective functions. In turn, blood leukocytes are represented by two pools: circulating, which are counted during a general blood test, and the marginal or parietal pool, which includes leukocytes associated with the walls of blood vessels, especially post-capillary venules.

White blood cell count

In healthy people at rest, the leukocyte count ranges from 4. 10 9 to 9 . 10 9 cells/l (4000-9000 in 1 mm 3, or µl). An increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood above normal (more than 9.109/l) is called leukocytosis, a decrease (less than 4.10 9 /l) - leukopenia. Leukocytosis and leukopenia are physiological and pathological.

Physiological leukocytosis is observed in healthy people after eating food, especially one rich in protein (“digestive” or redistributive leukocytosis); during and after muscular work (“myogenic” leukocytosis up to 20.10 9 cells/l); in newborns (also up to 20.109 leukocytes/l) and in children up to 5-8 years old (/9-12/.109 leukocytes/l); in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (up to /12-15/ .10 9 leukocytes/l). Pathological leukocytosis occurs in acute and chronic leukemia, many acute infectious and inflammatory diseases. myocardial infarction, extensive burns and other conditions.

Physiological leukopenia is observed in residents of the Arctic and polar explorers, during protein starvation and during deep sleep. Pathological leukopenia is characteristic of some bacterial infections (typhoid fever, brucellosis) and viral diseases (influenza, measles, etc.), systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases, medicinal (action of cytostatics), toxic (benzene), nutritional-toxic (use in food of overwintered cereals) lesions, radiation sickness.

Physiological leukocytosis. Leukopenia

Normally, the number of leukocytes in adults ranges from 4.5 to 8.5 thousand per 1 mm 3, or (4.5-8.5). 10 9 /l.

An increase in the number of leukocytes is called leukocytosis, decrease - leukopenia. Leukocytosis can be physiological and pathological, and leukopenia occurs only in pathology.

The following types of physiological leukocytosis are distinguished:

• food - occurs after eating. At the same time, the number of leukocytes increases slightly (on average by 1-3 thousand per μl) and rarely goes beyond the upper physiological norm. Large numbers of white blood cells accumulate in the submucosa of the small intestine. Here they perform a protective function - they prevent foreign agents from entering the blood and lymph. Nutritional leukocytosis is redistributive in nature and is ensured by the entry of leukocytes into the bloodstream from the blood depot;
• myogenic- observed after performing heavy muscular work. The number of leukocytes can increase 3-5 times. A huge number of leukocytes accumulate in the muscles during physical activity. Myogenic leukocytosis is both redistributive and true in nature, since with it there is an increase in bone marrow hematopoiesis;
• emotional - occurs with painful irritation, is redistributive in nature and rarely reaches high levels;
• during pregnancy a large number of leukocytes accumulate in the submucosa of the uterus. This leukocytosis is mainly local in nature. Its physiological meaning is not only to prevent infection from entering the mother’s body, but also to stimulate the contractile function of the uterus.

Leukopenia occur only in pathological conditions.

Particularly severe leukopenia can be observed in cases of bone marrow damage - acute leukemia and radiation sickness. At the same time, the functional activity of leukocytes changes, which leads to violations of specific and nonspecific protection, associated diseases, often of an infectious nature, and even death.

Properties of leukocytes

Leukocytes have important physiological properties that ensure the performance of their functions: 1) recognize signals from other blood cells and endothelium by their receptors; 2) the ability to activate and respond to signals with a number of reactions, including: stopping movement in the blood flow, adhesion - attachment to the wall of a vessel, activation of amoeboid motility, changing shape and moving through the intact wall of a capillary or venule. In tissues, activated leukocytes move to sites of damage and trigger their protective mechanisms: phagocytosis - absorption and digestion of microorganisms and foreign bodies, secretion of hydrogen peroxide, cytokines, immunoglobulins, substances that promote damage healing, etc.

Lymphocytes are direct participants in the reactions of cellular and humoral immunity.

Functions of leukocytes

Protective - consists in the destruction of microorganisms by leukocytes by their phagocytosis or the action of other bactericidal leukocyte factors on them; antitumor effect on tumor cells of the body itself; anthelmintic effect; antitoxic activity; participation in the formation of various forms of immunity, as well as in the processes of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Regenerative - release by leukocytes of factors promoting the healing of damaged tissues.

Regulatory - the formation and release of cytokines, growth and other factors that regulate hemocytopoiesis and the immune response.

The protective function is one of the most important functions performed by leukocytes. In its implementation, each type of leukocyte plays its own unique role. Neutrophils and monocytes are multifunctional cells: the main phagocytes of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms; they produce or transport proteins of the complement system, interferons, lysozyme; they take part in stopping bleeding and fibrinolysis.

Phagocytosis is carried out in several stages: chemotaxis - the approach of the phagocyte to the object of phagocytosis along the gradient of the chemoattractant; attraction - attracting a leukocyte to an object, its recognition and surroundings; absorption and destruction (killing) of viable objects and destruction (digestion) of fragments of the phagocytosed object by lysosomal enzymes. Phagocytosis in a healthy organism is usually complete, i.e. it ends with the complete destruction of the foreign object. In some cases, incomplete phagocytosis occurs, which does not provide a complete antimicrobial protective function. Phagocytosis is one of the components of the body’s nonspecific resistance (resistance) to the action of infectious factors.

Basophils produce chemoattractants for neutrophils and eosinophils; regulate the aggregative state of the blood, local blood flow (microcirculation) and capillary permeability (due to the release of heparin, histamine, serotonin); secrete heparin and take part in fat metabolism.

Lymphocytes provide the formation and reactions of specific cellular (T-lymphocytes) and humoral (B-lymphocytes) immunity, as well as immunological surveillance of body cells and transplantation immunity.

Leukocyte formula

There are certain relationships between the number of individual types of leukocytes contained in the blood, the percentage expression of which is called leukocyte formula(Table 1).

This means that if the total content of leukocytes is taken as 100%, then the content of a particular type of leukocyte in the blood will be a certain percentage of their total number in the blood. For example, under normal conditions the content of monocytes is 200-600 cells per 1 μl (mm 3), which is 2-10% of the total content of all leukocytes equal to 4000-9000 cells in 1 μl (mm 3) of blood (see Table 11.2 ). In a number of physiological and pathological conditions, an increase or decrease in the content of some type of leukocytes is often detected.

An increase in the number of individual forms of leukocytes is designated as neutrophilia, eosino- or basophilia, monocytosis or lymphocytosis. A decrease in the content of certain forms of leukocytes is respectively called neutro-, eosino-, monocyto- and lymphopenia.

The nature of the leukocyte formula depends on the person’s age, living conditions and other conditions. Under physiological conditions in a healthy person, absolute lymphocytosis and neutropenia occur in childhood, from 5-7 days of life to 5-7 years (the phenomenon of “leukocyte scissors” in children). Lymphocytosis and neutropenia may develop in children and adults living in the tropics. Lymphocytosis is also observed in vegetarians (with a predominantly carbohydrate diet), and neutrophilia is characteristic of “digestive,” “myogenic,” and “emotional” leukocytosis. Neutrophilia and a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left are observed in acute inflammatory processes (pneumonia, tonsillitis, etc.), and eosinophilia - in allergic conditions and helminthic infestations. In patients with chronic diseases (tuberculosis, rheumatism), lymphocytosis may develop. Leukopenia, neutropenia and a shift of the leukocyte formula to the right with hypersegmentation of neutrophil nuclei are additional signs of B12 and folate deficiency anemia. Thus, analysis of the content of individual forms of leukocytes in the leukocyte formula has important diagnostic value.

Table 1. Leukocyte formula for a healthy adult

Indicators	Total white blood cell count	GRANULOCYTES					AGRANULOCYTES
		immature		mature (segmented)			lymphocytes	monocytes
			rod-nuclear	neutrophils	eosinophiles	basophyla
SHIFT LEFT ←				An increase in immature (young) forms of granulocytes in the blood indicates stimulation of leukopoiesis in the bone marrow
SHIFT RIGHT→				An increase in mature forms of granulocytes (neutrophils) in the blood indicates inhibition of leukopoiesis in the bone marrow

Types and characteristics of leukocytes

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are formations of various shapes and sizes. According to their structure, leukocytes are divided into grainy, or granulocytes, And non-grainy, or agranulocytes. Granulocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils, and agranulocytes include lymphocytes and monocytes. The cells of the granular series received their name from their ability to be stained with dyes: eosinophils perceive acidic dye (eosin), basophils perceive alkaline dye (hematoxylin), neutrophils perceive both.

Characteristics of individual types of leukocytes:

• neutrophils - the largest group of white blood cells, they make up 50-75% of all leukocytes. No more than 1% of the neutrophils present in the body circulate in the blood. Most of them are concentrated in tissues. Along with this, there is a reserve in the bone marrow that exceeds the number of circulating neutrophils by 50 times. They are released into the blood at the “first demand” of the body.

The main function of neutrophils is to protect the body from microbes and their toxins that have penetrated it. Neutrophils are the first to arrive at the site of tissue damage, i.e. are the vanguard of leukocytes. Their appearance at the site of inflammation is associated with the ability to actively move. They release pseudopodia, pass through the capillary wall and actively move through the tissues to the site of microbial penetration. The speed of their movement reaches 40 microns per minute, which is 3-4 times the diameter of the cell. The release of leukocytes into tissues is called migration. When in contact with living or dead microbes, with decaying cells of their own body or foreign particles, neutrophils phagocytose them, digest and destroy them using their own enzymes and bactericidal substances. One neutrophil is capable of phagocytosing 20-30 bacteria, but may die itself (in this case, the bacteria continue to multiply);

• eosinophils make up 1-5% of all leukocytes. Eosinophils have phagocytic ability, but due to their small number in the blood, their role in this process is small. The main function of eosinophils is the neutralization and destruction of toxins of protein origin, foreign proteins, and antigen-antibody complexes. Eosinophils phagocytose granules of basophils and mast cells, which contain a lot of histamine; produce the enzyme histaminase, which destroys absorbed histamine.

In allergic conditions, helminthic infestation and antibacterial therapy, the number of eosinophils increases. This is due to the fact that in these conditions a large number of mast cells and basophils are destroyed, from which a lot of histamine is released, which requires eosinophils to neutralize. One of the functions of eosinophils is the production of plasminogen, which determines their participation in the process of fibrinolysis;

• basophils(0-1% of all leukocytes) - the smallest group of granulocytes. The functions of basophils are determined by the presence of biologically active substances in them. They, like connective tissue mast cells, produce histamine and heparin. The number of basophils increases during the regenerative (final) phase of acute inflammation and increases slightly during chronic inflammation. Basophil heparin prevents blood clotting at the site of inflammation, and histamine dilates capillaries, which promotes resorption and healing processes.

The importance of basophils increases in various allergic reactions, when histamine is released from them and mast cells under the influence of the antigen-antibody complex. It determines the clinical manifestations of urticaria, bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases.

The number of basophils increases sharply during leukemia, stressful situations and slightly increases during inflammation;

• monocytes make up 2-4% of all leukocytes, are capable of amoeboid movement, and exhibit pronounced phagocytic and bactericidal activity. Monocytes phagocytose up to 100 microbes, while neutrophils only 20-30. Monocytes appear at the site of inflammation after neutrophils and exhibit maximum activity in an acidic environment, in which neutrophils lose activity. At the site of inflammation, monocytes phagocytize microbes, as well as dead leukocytes and damaged cells of inflamed tissue, cleaning the site of inflammation and preparing it for regeneration. For this function, monocytes are called “the body’s wipers.”

They circulate for up to 70 hours and then migrate into tissues, where they form a large family of tissue macrophages. In addition to phagocytosis, macrophages are involved in the formation of specific immunity. By absorbing foreign substances, they process them and convert them into a special compound - immunogen, which together with lymphocytes forms a specific immune response.

Macrophages are involved in the processes of inflammation and regeneration, lipid and iron metabolism, and have antitumor and antiviral effects. This is due to the fact that they secrete lysozyme, interferon, a fibrogenic factor that enhances collagen synthesis and accelerates the formation of fibrous tissue;

• lymphocytes make up 20-40% of white blood cells. An adult contains 10 12 lymphocytes with a total mass of 1.5 kg. Lymphocytes, unlike all other leukocytes, are able not only to penetrate tissues, but also return back to the blood. They differ from other leukocytes in that they live not a few days, but 20 years or more (some throughout a person’s life).

Leukopoiesis

Leukopoiesis is the process of formation, differentiation and maturation of peripheral blood leukocytes. It is divided into myslopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. Myelopoiesis- the process of formation and differentiation of granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils) and monocytes from PSGC in the red bone marrow. Lymphopoiesis- the process of formation of lymphocytes in the red bone marrow and lymphoid organs. It begins with the formation of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes from PGSCs in the red bone marrow in the thymus and other primary lymphoid organs and ends with the differentiation and development of lymphocytes after exposure to antigens in secondary lymphoid organs - the spleen, lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Monocytes and lymphocytes are capable of further differentiation and recycling (blood → tissue fluid → lymph → blood). Monocytes can turn into tissue macrophages, osteoclasts and other forms, lymphocytes into memory cells, helpers, plasma cells, etc.

In the regulation of the formation of leukocytes, an important role is played by the products of destruction of leukocytes (leukopoietins), which stimulate the cells of the PSG microenvironment - T cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of the bone marrow. In response, microenvironmental cells produce a number of cytokines, growth and other early-acting factors that stimulate leukopoiesis.

Catecholamines (both hormones of the adrenal medulla and neurotransmitters of the sympathetic division of the ANS) participate in the regulation of leukopoiesis. They stimulate myelopoiesis and cause leukocytosis by mobilizing the parietal pool of neutrophils.

Group E prostaglandins, kelons (tissue-specific inhibitors produced by neutrophils), interferons inhibit the formation of granulocytes and monocytes. Growth hormone causes leukopenia (by inhibiting the formation of neutrophils). Glucocorticoids cause involution of the thymus and lymphoid tissue, as well as lymphopenia and eosinopenia. Keylons and lactoferrin, formed by mature granulocytes, suppress hematopoiesis of granulocytes. Many toxic substances and ionizing radiation cause leukopenia.

An important condition for normal leukopoiesis is the intake of a sufficient amount of energy, protein, essential fatty acids and amino acids, vitamins, and microelements into the body.

G-CSF, other cytokines and growth factors are used to control leukopoiesis and differentiation processes of stem cells during their transplantation for therapeutic purposes and the cultivation of artificial organs and tissues.

In the human body, blood transports nutrients and oxygen, allowing cells and tissues to maintain their functions. The cellular and chemical composition of blood is extremely important for maintaining life.

Sometimes pathological conditions arise associated with an increase or decrease in the number of certain blood cells. This may be due to an abnormality or the course of the disease. Many patients are interested in what elevated levels in the blood mean. This phenomenon is called leukocytosis.

Various types are found in the blood, lymph and tissues, which allows the destruction of foreign substances at different levels. Many leukocytes are able to actively move and leave the vascular cavity to perform protective functions in organs and tissues. In addition, leukocytes are involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions.

Unlike and, white blood cells contain nuclei. There are five types of leukocytes:

The human body normally contains a constant number of all types of white blood cells.

Diagnostics and norm

It's important to note that the "normal" range for white blood cell counts varies significantly from person to person. Testing for the number of different types of white blood cells in the blood is not a full-fledged diagnostic tool, since it is only used to determine abnormal levels of white blood cells.

As a rule, such an analysis is prescribed in combination with a blood cell test to clarify the condition. A high white blood cell count may indicate an inflammatory disease.

When examining a blood sample, laboratory technicians count the number of white blood cells per specific volume of fluid. The normal value is calculated for each type of white blood cell.

It should also be taken into account that the “norm” depends not only on the individual characteristics of a person, but also on age, race, gender and other factors.

However, doctors have a standardized indicator of the normal leukocyte ratio:

• Neutrophils: 55%
• Lymphocytes: 35%
• Monocytes: 5%
• Basophils: 1%
• Eosinophils 2-4%

Detection of an abnormal number of certain types of white blood cells in itself does not mean anything. The attending physician is required to prescribe additional diagnostic measures. These may include a bone marrow biopsy, which is necessary to identify the oncological process.

Causes of increased leukocytes in the blood

is a medical term for an abnormally high level of white blood cells. This condition may occur for the following reasons:

It is important for the doctor not only to detect an increase in the number of leukocytes, but also to determine which type of leukocytes is increased. Clarification of the type of leukocytosis is necessary to diagnose a possible pathology.

A more in-depth diagnosis involves identifying not only types, but also subtypes of leukocytosis.

What is dangerous about leukocytosis and what to do?

An increased number of certain white blood cells is usually not dangerous in itself. This is an indicator of an anomaly or dangerous condition. Leukocytes, along with other blood elements, are synthesized in the red bone marrow. Precursor cells are required for synthesis.

Oncological transformation of precursor cells leads to a significant increase in the number of certain blood cells. Leukocytes formed by cancer cells usually differ from normal ones in various structural changes, and possible dysfunction. Certain types of leukocytosis can be dangerous in themselves. For example, hypereosinophilic syndrome, associated with abnormally high levels of eosinophils, can cause severe cardiac abnormalities.

Leukocytosis may be associated with a temporary abnormality that does not require special treatment. In this case, the number of leukocytes returns to normal after some time. More dangerous cases of leukocytosis require immediate comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of primary diseases.

More information about leukocytes can be found in the video:

In case of infection, it is necessary to destroy pathogenic organisms; in case of oncology, it is necessary to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Sometimes intravenous administration of special solutions is required to restore electrolyte balance.

• Antioxidants. These substances protect cells and tissues from free radicals that can damage cellular proteins and DNA. It is necessary to add grapes, onions, garlic and green tea to your diet.
• Fatty acid. Omega-3 and other fatty acids are essential for the formation and maintenance of white blood cell function. These substances are found in fish and nuts.
• Ascorbic acid . This substance is necessary for the functioning of the immune system. Ascorbic acid stimulates the formation of interferon and antibodies. You should add lemons, pineapples, oranges and berries to your diet.

It must be remembered that an increased number of white blood cells is not an independent disease. This is a consequence of normal functioning or pathology of the body.

The norm of leukocytes in the blood depends on the gender of the person and his age. It will be different for a child and an adult. Also, this figure may differ between men and women, especially during pregnancy. If there are deviations, one can suspect infectious and other diseases, because it is the white cells that are responsible for immunity.

Norms and analyzes

In order to determine the level of white blood cells in the blood, you need to donate. For adult women and men, a leukocyte level is considered normal, ranging from 4 to 9 thousand per microliter of blood.

In a child aged 6–10 years, this figure can fluctuate between 6 × 10 9 and 11 × 10 9 cells/l; in a child under 3 years old, they should be from 6 × 10 9 to 17 × 10 9 cells/l. For a child aged 1 month, the level of white blood cells is considered normal, equal to 9.2–13.8 ×10 9 cells/l, and for a child aged 10–15 years, the figure is 5.5–10.0 ×10 9 cells/l. Blood from the umbilical cord contains from 9.9×10 9 to 27×10 9 cells/l.

It is also worth taking into account that in some laboratories the norm of leukocytes in the blood is 3.2–10.6 × 10 9 cells/l.

If the level of these cells is reduced, leukopenia is diagnosed; if it is elevated (more than 9 × 10 9 cells/l), leukocytosis is diagnosed.

When conducting an extended blood test, the leukocyte formula is also determined, that is, the percentage of different types of these cells. So, the number of eosinophils should be 0.5–5%. The normal number of basophils does not exceed 1%, and the number of monocytes normally ranges from 3 to 11%, and the number of lymphocytes - from 19 to 13%. Also, during an extended analysis, the number of cells such as neutrophils is determined (band cells should be 1–6%, segmented cells should be from 47 to 72 percent). The percentage of different leukocytes in women and men may change due to cancer, infections and blood diseases.

In addition, the number of white blood cells in men and women can increase during exercise, after stress and after eating. Also, numbers may fluctuate due to fungal and bacterial diseases, pneumonia, and skin damage.

If leukocytes are low, a diagnosis such as acute respiratory viral infection, as well as bone marrow disease, is possible.

With bacterial infections, neutrophils increase; with serious and long-term infections, the number of monocytes increases. Their number also increases with mononucleosis in a child.

Eosinophils increase during helminthic infestations. The number of basophils increases with allergies and nephrosis.

Leukocytes in women

The number of white blood cells can vary significantly between women and men. So, the norm for women is considered to be from 3.2 * 10 9 / l to 10.2 * 10 9 / l. During pregnancy, it may change slightly, since it is still stress for the female body.

In general, all changes can be divided into primary (with diseases of the hematopoietic tissue and damage to blood cells), as well as secondary (appear against the background of diseases of internal organs and their damage).

The number of leukocytes increases not only during pregnancy, but also during menstruation and during inflammatory processes, which do not occur in men. Their number also increases during the process following pregnancy, that is, during childbirth. A slight increase in white blood cells in the urine during pregnancy is also considered normal.

White blood cells can decrease with weak immunity and with the threat of pregnancy failure, as well as with purulent diseases and bone marrow diseases.

A significant excess of the norm of leukocytes during pregnancy may hint to doctors about a serious infection that threatens the health of the child and mother. For any disturbances and changes in the leukocyte formula and leukocyte counts, additional examinations must be performed.

Leukocytes play an important role in human blood. Their most important task is to create a protective barrier against harmful influences entering the blood from outside. It’s not for nothing that when a person gets sick, the doctor gives a referral for a blood test. And by analyzing the condition of all blood components, including white blood cells, he makes a preliminary diagnosis. Other laboratory tests usually confirm it. A failure in the quantitative indicators of blood cells can signal the very beginning of the disease or its active stage, which is why it is so important to know the role of leukocytes in the functioning of the body.

Types of Blood Cells

There are several types of cells in human blood:

• platelets;
• red blood cells;
• leukocytes.

All of them ensure the normal functioning of the body’s circulatory system and serve as indicators of human health. Each type has its own characteristics.

What are leukocytes? Translated from Greek, these are white blood cells. The term itself is general because the group of leukocytes is heterogeneous. This includes white cells of various round (resting) or irregular shapes.

Their color is not completely white, but has a pinkish, purple or bluish tint. They have their own varieties and perform a specific function.

The ratio of the number of different types of cells in human blood is subject to certain physiological laws. As a result of calculating their percentage per 100 leukocytes, the doctor receives a leukocyte formula. Using it, a specialist can determine which type is dominant and, accordingly, identify the pathology.

Among the three groups mentioned, white cells have their own characteristics. They do not have independent coloring, but, unlike others, they have a core. The number of these blood cells varies among people of different ages, with fewer in adults than in children. This indicator may change at different times of the day and with different nutritional patterns. Women and men have about the same number. What is the function of leukocytes in the human body?

What are these blood cells for?

Leukocytes in the blood serve to perform the following vital functions:

• create barriers that prevent germs, viruses and other infections from entering the body through blood and tissues;
• contribute to maintaining a constant balance of a person’s internal environment;

• help tissues regenerate;
• provide digestion of solid particles;
• promote the creation of antibodies;
• participate in immune processes;
• destroy toxins that are of protein origin.

What are the functions of leukocytes? Create a reliable barrier to the invasion of microbes and other negative factors through the circulatory system or tissues.

These cells are able to pass through capillary walls and actively act in the intercellular space, where phagocytosis occurs - the destruction of infections and bacteria. This process has several stages, each of which involves different cells. By their quantity in a person’s blood, one can determine the state of the body’s defenses. This is important information for doctors of any specialization.

Types of leukocytes

Since leukocytes in the blood are characterized by diversity, all types of leukocytes are divided into types based on the following distinctive features:

• place of formation of leukocytes;
• lifespan.

Depending on the place of their formation, white blood cells are: granular (their second name is granulocytes; their cytoplasm has different types of granularity), which are formed in the bone marrow, and non-granular (they are also called agranulocytes), the places of formation of which are not only bone marrow the brain, but also the spleen, as well as lymph nodes. These groups differ in the lifespan of white blood cells: the first live up to 30 hours, the second - from 40 hours (in the blood) to 3 weeks (in tissues).

This classification of leukocytes and the study of all types of these cells within these two groups allows for a more accurate diagnosis, which is especially important in severe pathological conditions.

WBC leukocytes can be determined automatically and manually. The abbreviation wbc is derived from the English phrase White Blood Cells, which means “white blood cells”. This is a large group of cells, which includes five subgroups that provide reliable protection to the human immune system. When the doctor receives the test results, he can see a brief description of the ratio of each group to the total number of white blood cells.

The characterization made by the doctor based on these data is an important step towards identifying the disease and choosing a treatment method. The normal limits for blood leukocytes change with age.

The doctor’s knowledge of what types of leukocytes there are and what function they perform helps him see the picture of the disease, the extent of damage to organs and systems, and make a prognosis.

What does a change in the number of leukocytes lead to?

If leukocytes in the blood are in the required quantity, then this is an indicator that the person has no pathologies. A healthy person has from 6 thousand to 8 thousand of these blood cells in 1 mm3. The bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced, can be damaged for various reasons.

Its functionality can be impaired by:

• exposure to rays (irradiation);
• taking certain medications.

When treating some diseases, such as cancer, a person is exposed to rays. But after completing a full course of radiation, white blood cells are formed more slowly and in smaller numbers. If this happens, the levels of leukocytes in the blood will help the doctor immediately determine the degree of depression. Based on this, he will prescribe treatment aimed at replenishing the number of these important cells.

A decrease in the number of white blood cells is called leukopenia. Disruption of the functioning of organs and systems depends on what functions of leukocytes are no longer performed by them.

If a person falls ill with an infectious or purulent disease, for example, influenza, hepatitis, diphtheria, scarlet fever, appendicitis, peritonitis, then the doctor will immediately see from the test results that he has insufficient production of leukocytes.

If a person experiences bleeding, leukocytosis develops quite quickly - within 1-2 hours. Gout (joint disease) is also characterized by this clinical picture.

Despite the fact that the importance of leukocytes is to protect the body from infections (and therefore increase the number of white blood cells), in some diseases the body experiences a deficiency of them. When the immune system is not working well, the body is on the verge of exhaustion, the number of white blood cells in the blood decreases.

Some infections, such as typhoid fever, smallpox, malaria, measles or other serious pathologies (leukemia), affect the immune system so aggressively that it is unable to resist them. In this case, the patient has a serious condition and is diagnosed with leukopenia.

If leukocytes fail to form in sufficient quantities, it means that the body is affected by a chronic disease. And some medications used for allergies, as well as those affecting mental processes, antibiotics, antitumor drugs can give the same picture.

The opposite condition of leukopenia - an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood - is called leukocytosis. But, unlike leukopenia, this is not always a pathology. In this case, it is sometimes said that a person has a physiological increase in the number of these cells.

This happens in the following human conditions:

• before menstruation in women;

• after meal;
• during a period of emotional shock;
• in pregnant women.

There is a certain dependence of the increase in leukocytes on overheating in the sun or in a hot bath. This increase in blood cells can also be caused by soft tissue damage. In this case, it is not necessary to have an infection.

If a person eats meat, then through this product foreign antibodies that were previously in the animal’s blood enter the human body. The immune system may respond by increasing the number of defense cells. The same situation occurs when an allergic reaction to something occurs. Since food contributes to disruption of the blood composition picture, it becomes clear why a blood test is done in the morning on an empty stomach.

In such cases, there is no need to be afraid of a quantitative shift in leukocytes, because the body itself is able to normalize the level of leukocytes after some time.

But there is such a thing as a pathological increase in leukocytes in the blood. The doctor makes this conclusion based on what the tests show.

Excessive production of white blood cells is a serious reason to seek treatment immediately, as it indicates that a person may have:

• inflammatory diseases caused by purulent infection;
• serious burns;
• kidney problems;
• diabetic coma;
• disruption of the spleen;
• heart attack;
• impaired lung function;
• diabetes;
• oncological disease.

With such serious diseases, their functions are reduced to zero, despite the fact that their number is significantly increased. Only test results can show the state of the leukocyte formula, where all quantitative data about each component of the blood is recorded.

The process of leukopoiesis (the formation of white blood cells) occurs in the human body constantly. To stimulate it (according to indications), various medications are used.

When the functions performed by cells decrease, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• heat accumulation in the body;
• elevated temperature;
• vision problems;
• poor sleep;
• increased sweating;
• fatigue;
• joint and muscle pain;
• weight loss.

Many who care about their health will be able to answer the question of why leukocytes are needed. These white blood cells can be called a protective gate against infections and bacteria. Their performance of essential functions helps a person independently cope with some diseases without resorting to medications. In more severe pathological cases, medications help white blood cells carry out their mission.