In a blood test, a leukocyte count is performed . It represents the content of various classes of elements as a percentage. Among all leukocytes, a large proportion is accounted for by segmented neutrophils. They make up the bulk of blood elements. White blood cells are divided into two main classes: agranulocytes and granulocytes. The latter are distinguished by granularity. The class of granulocytes, in turn, includes basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils. Each cell type is characterized by its own granularity and its own functions.
Stages of development of blood elements
Granulocyte class cells all go through certain stages of maturation. At the very first stage, myeloblasts form. Further, the cells go through several intermediate stages. In the process of further development, each element is formed into a stab neutrophil, and then segmented. Young cells are found in the blood only when severe pathologies occur.
What are the differences between segmented and stab neutrophils?
The main difference is the shape of the cell nucleus. In the former, it is divided by special constrictions into 2 or 4 segments. The stab neutrophil has a smooth, bent stick shape core. The cytoplasm of the cells is pink. Present in the elements and brown fine grain. Due to infectious lesions, it acquires a blue color and becomes larger. This manifestation indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
Feature Functions
The stab neutrophil provides protection against the penetration of foreign particles, bacteria, fungi, viruses. Cells also have phagocytic activity. Myeloperoxidase, a specific enzyme, is present in the pellets of a stab neutrophil. It increases the activity of antibacterial agents. Neutrophils are able to move to inflammatory foci.
Leukocyte formula. Ratio of components
The concentration in which cells are present in the blood corresponds to the age norm. For example, in a child under five years of age, neutrophils are about 30%. In children, leukocytes are most present in the blood. The content of neutrophils in an adult ranges from 1-6%. An increase in concentration may indicate the development of various pathologies. An increase in stab neutrophils is called neutrophilia. As a rule, this condition is accompanied by a general increase in the concentration of leukocytes. These changes in the formula are characteristic of heart attacks and shock conditions, various kinds of poisoning.
Particularly pronounced are disorders in
chronic myelocytic
leukemia . Due to the fact that stab neutrophil begins to prevail, and segmented neutrophil, on the contrary, increases the risk of secondary infections. With a decrease in the concentration of blood cells, the development of viral and chronic lesions is observed. This often happens after receiving cytostatics, radiation therapy or because of blood diseases. When stab neutrophils are absent in the required concentration, this condition is called neutropenia.