Monocytes are a type of large white blood cells, active phagocytic blood cells that are generated in the bone marrow. 2-3 days after their entry into the main bloodstream, monocytes are located in the tissues and turn into macrophages. The main function of monocytic macrophages is to absorb foreign agents - chemical compounds, proteins, and individual cells. Thus, monocytes initiate a specific immune response to the invasion of foreign antigens. A significant expansion of antigens can provoke an increase in the level of monocytes, and in some cases their rapid growth.
The norm of monocytes in the blood
The normal number of monocytes in the blood is from 1 to 8 percent. Their percentage is determined when a general blood test is performed. Monocytes are lowered while taking Prednisolone and the like. The percentage of monocytes to other phagocytes is determined by the derivation of the leukocyte formula. Reduced monocytes, as a rule, cause an increase in leukocytes, with the uniformity of phagocytes in most cases, their relationship is traced.
The phagocytic mood of blood cells is determined by the clinical picture of the disease. During treatment with the use of potent drugs, lowered monocytes can be activated and successfully fight against foreign cells. The balance of the presence of leukocytes and monocytes in the blood increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
White blood cells lowered, monocytes high
Pathological processes in the body, even the most minor, cause an increase in monocytes - monocytosis.
Relative monocytosis is usually accompanied by a marked decrease in white blood cells, a phenomenon characteristic of neutropenia or lymphocytopenia. Reduced monocytes, as a rule, do not cause concern, while monocytosis is a sign of the following diseases:
- chronic monocytic or myelomonocytic leukemia;
- leukemia of myeloid, acute monoblastic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis;
- infectious endocarditis, rickettsial and protozoal viral infections;
- lupus erythematosus, arthritis, polyarteritis;
- brucellosis, ulcerative colitis, enteritis, syphilis.
Low white blood cell count
A decrease in white blood cell count is called leukopenia. This disease can be caused by the following reasons:
- the bone marrow does not generate enough white blood cells;
- destruction of white blood cells directly in the blood vessels;
- stagnation of white blood cells with a possible delay in the depot organs;
- neutralization of leukocytes in force majeure circumstances (as a result of collapse or shock).
Leukocyte Prevention Factors
Various anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Butadion, Amidopyrine, Analgin and Pirabutol, negatively affect the process of leukocyte formation. The development of leukopenia is also facilitated by antibacterial drugs: Levomycin, Synthomycin, Sulfanilamide. Significantly reduce the level of leukocytes in the blood cytostatics-methotrexates and cyclophosphans.
The main function of tissue macrophages, monocytes, leukocytes and a number of others is the absorption of harmful particles that have somehow appeared in the body. This kind of blood purification takes place in the process of phagocytosis, in which monocytes play the dominant role as the largest phagocytic cells.
Monocytes also have a cytoscopic effect on cancer cells and malaria pathogens. The result of the analysis of "lowered monocytes" means that there are fewer of them in the body than it should be, and therefore they are less effective, but their functions are preserved.