Monocytes, specific blood cells, are sometimes called tissue macrophages or phagocytic mononuclear cells. Their purpose, regardless of the name, is to cleanse the body of dead cells, neutralize antigens and bacteria, and counteract the cytotoxic nature of tumor cells. Monocytes are produced in the bone marrow, immediately after occurrence they enter the peripheral bloodstream, where their circulation begins, lasting 3-4 days. Then they penetrate into the tissues and there acquire the properties of tissue macrophages. Elevated monocytes indicate inflammatory processes in the body.
Macrophage monocytes
The main purpose of macrophage monocytes is phagocytosis with the absorption of foreign particles trapped in the body. Cells receive energy through aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis, which enables them to function in areas of pathological disorders of the body. Since they are a type of leukocytes, they participate in the process of protecting the body along with other cells of the leukocyte group: basophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils. In the case of acute local inflammation in the body, the level of monocytes rises.
Monocytosis
Monocytes elevated to 8-9% do not cause concern. If their percentage becomes more than 10%, then this indicates the onset of monocytosis. The nature of monocytosis is ambiguous, it can take place in relative form, with a slight excess of the norm in the body, but can become absolute when the level exceeds 10%. As a rule, absolute monocytosis is accompanied by a decrease in the level of other white blood cells. This picture is observed in the case of lymphocytopenia and neutropenia and is characteristic of adults.
Monocytes warn
Elevated monocytes are an occasion to search for a focus of inflammation or any disease, often infectious. A complete blood count is necessary. In some cases, women undergo pregnancy tests. An increased level of monocytes in the blood occurs with the following diseases: viral or fungal infections, rickettsial and protozoal, infectious endocarditis. Of the diseases of the circulatory system, myeloid leukemia, monocytic myeloid leukemia are possible. Of granulomatous diseases - enteritis and ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, syphilis.
Children's monocytosis
Elevated monocytes in the children's body play about the same role as in the adult, but children's monocytosis is somewhat different in its indicators. An increase in the level of macrophage monocytes in a child occurs with any inflammation, but also passes quickly if the correct diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is carried out. Their normal blood content in a child depends on age: in a newborn from 3 to 12%, up to two weeks 5-15%, from 2 weeks to 1 year 4-10%, from 1 year to 2 years 3-10%, from 2 to 5 years 3-9%, from 6 to 16 years 3-9%, after 16 years 3-9%. Increased monocyte count in the blood of a child can cause infectious diseases, childhood rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa.