Red blood cells are erythrocytes, since they have a red tint, which is given to them by hemoglobin (on our website you can find out what the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood is). The human circulatory system contains more than 20 trillion red blood cells. If you imagine that all the red bodies are lined up one after another, you will get a huge chain with a total length of about 200 thousand kilometers. Each red blood cell lives a short life, which is limited to three months. It is then destroyed or preyed upon by cells called phagocytes, which devour it. Phagocytes in the human body have a special mission; it is to destroy unnecessary cells.

The maximum content of red blood cells is observed in the spleen and liver, which is why these organs have a “graveyard of red blood cells.” Phagocytes regularly engage in eating obsolete blood cells. Red blood cells may also simply dissolve. First, they acquire a round shape, then the process of dissolution begins due to the general destruction of their own membrane in the blood. There is also the so-called natural selection, as a result of which defective red blood cells die.

Platelets and leukocytes are red blood cells

Small platelet-shaped blood cells are responsible for blood clotting. As a result of heavy blood loss, it is the role of platelets that is considered decisive, since the body itself is not able to live without blood. Platelets are the first aid of the human body.

Red blood cells are platelets, which, when blood vessels are damaged, create a special clot, thanks to which the hole is simply plugged. As a result, after some time the blood stops. The unique ability of platelets to form blood clots is considered the main way that completely maintains the chain of blood supply integrity.

If there are not enough of these components in the blood, then the time to stop bleeding may change. But over time, all wounds heal and the cells are restored. Blood cells called leukocytes have a white tint. They perform a protective function. In cooperation with the human immune system, leukocytes prevent the penetration and spread of various infections. If the human body becomes infected for some reason, then leukocytes begin to actively fight the infectious disease.

White blood cells can be very diverse, because much will depend on what specific functions they perform in the body. Along with protecting the human body from infection, leukocytes actively fight all foreign elements that, for one reason or another, have entered the human body.

A similar process is called medical practice phagocytosis. Redness, heat bodies and various swellings are the result of the action of phagocytosis, under the strict guidance of leukocytes. If the infection turns out to be stronger, the leukocytes simply die, turning into pus.

All purulent discharge is white blood cells that have been destroyed. Leukocytes are divided into special cells - T and B. These varieties provide protection to the immune system from various diseases. Red blood cells are a reliable support for the entire body, which is maintained in constant balance throughout a person’s life.

Increase or decrease in the number of red blood cells in tests. ESR

Erythrocytes are called red blood cells, which are the most numerous blood cells, which tend to enrich the tissues and organs of the human body not only with oxygen, but also with nutrients. These blood cells contain a huge amount of the red pigment hemoglobin, which in turn promotes the binding of oxygen in the lungs and its release into the tissues.

A decrease in the level of red blood cells is a signal of the development of anemia. An increase in their number is possible in case of dehydration or development erythremia .

Detection of these bodies in urine is possible due to an inflammatory process in one of the organs of the urinary system, namely the kidneys, bladder and so on.

Red blood cells are the most numerous blood cells. They have a fairly regular shape, which in appearance resembles a disk. The edges of red blood cells are slightly thicker than their center. At the cut site, these bodies take on the appearance of a dumbbell or a biconcave lens. It is due to this structure that these bodies manage to absorb the maximum amount of both oxygen and carbon dioxide while moving through the bloodstream.

The main function of red blood cells is considered to be the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. In addition, they help maintain the acid-base balance in the blood, and also protect and nourish the tissues and organs of the human body.

In human blood there is an accumulation of a huge number of red blood cells. For example, if you take the blood of a person whose body weight is sixty kilograms, it will contain approximately twenty-five trillion red blood cells. If all these red blood cells are laid out in one row, you can get a column of more than sixty kilometers. With all this, it is much more convenient and practical to detect not the general level of red blood cells, but their accumulation in a small volume of blood ( for example, in one cubic millimeter of blood). The level of these cells in one cubic millimeter is considered to be a fairly important indicator, since with its help you can not only get a general picture of a person’s health status, but also identify the presence of certain pathologies. In blood healthy person the normal number of red blood cells should vary within a fairly narrow range. It is also important to note the fact that the normal number of red blood cells is determined by several factors, namely the person’s age, gender, and place of residence.

The level of red blood cells in the blood can be determined by clinical analysis blood. In representatives of the stronger sex, the normal number of red blood cells should be from 4 to 5.1 million in one cubic millimeter of blood. For representatives of the fairer sex, this figure ranges from 3.7 to 4.7 million in one cubic millimeter of blood.

• On the first day of a child’s life – from 4.3 to 7.6 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first month of a child’s life - from 3.8 to 5.6 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first six months of a child’s life - from 3.5 to 4.8 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first year of a child’s life - from 3.6 to 4.9 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• From one to twelve years - from 3.5 to 4.7 million in one cubic millimeter of blood

In children over thirteen years of age, the normal number of red blood cells should be the same as in adults, that is, from 3.6 to 5.1 million per cubic millimeter of blood.

The number of red blood cells can sometimes decrease during pregnancy. In principle, this is considered to be a normal condition, since during pregnancy, almost all expectant mothers experience a lack of iron in the body. In addition, the decrease in red blood cells may also be due to dilution of the blood due to water retention in the body.

The number of red blood cells in the blood can either decrease or increase relative to the norm.

A condition accompanied by an increase in the level of red blood cells per unit volume of blood is called erythrocytosis. In principle, this condition is observed extremely rarely. Sometimes people experience a physiological increase in the number of red blood cells due to excessive physical activity, frequent stressful situations, living in the mountains or excessive dehydration. An increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood is considered to be a pathology if:

• In humans, there is an increased formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. In most cases, this excessive formation of red cells is due to the presence of certain blood diseases, which include erythremia. In the presence of this pathology, a person has a bright red coloration of the skin of both the face and neck.
• An increase in the number of red blood cells occurred due to excessive synthesis of erythropoietin in the kidneys, against the background of pathologies of the cardiovascular system or respiratory tract, due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. As a rule, in all these cases, an increase in the level of red blood cells indicates the presence of long-term pathology of the lungs or heart.

Decreased red blood cell levels

A decrease in the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood is called erythropenia. The most common cause of the development of this condition is considered to be one or another type of anemia. Anemia or anemia can make itself felt due to a disruption in the formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. In addition, anemia can occur due to the loss of a large amount of blood, as well as as a result of excessive destruction of red blood cells. In most cases, people experience iron deficiency anemia, which is accompanied by insufficient formation of red blood cells due to iron deficiency in the human body. A lack of iron in the body can be caused by both an increase in the body's need for this substance, and a violation of its absorption or insufficient intake into the body along with food. In case of development iron deficiency anemia the patient may experience not only a decrease in the level of red blood cells, but also many other signs of this pathology.

The state of increased destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. This condition can occur either as a result of hereditary pathologies or due to a disorder in the structure of the red cell membrane, against the background of hemoglobinopathy or Marchiafava-Miceli disease. It is quite possible that increased destruction of red cells may develop due to mechanical or toxic damage to their membrane. A decrease in the level of these blood cells is also possible with excessive blood loss. The number of red blood cells can be determined through a general blood test.

Normal number of red blood cells in general analysis urine should be 0 – 2 in the field of view. If the urinary sediment is examined using the Nechiporenko method, then the number of red blood cells can reach up to a thousand. Single red cells may appear in the urine if a person has stood for a very long time or done heavy physical work. If red blood cells are detected in the urine of pregnant women, children or adults, they need to consult a specialist as soon as possible.

In the case of gross hematuria, a very large number of red blood cells accumulate in the patient’s urine, which can be seen with the naked eye. Plus, the urine in such cases turns red.

In most cases

• Kidney pathologies: pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis ( in the presence of these diseases, the patient experiences not only the presence of red blood cells in the urine, but also pain in the lumbar region, as well as an increase in body temperature).
• Urolithiasis disease ( in this case, there are attacks of renal colic, as well as episodes of gross hematuria, noted at the time of the passage of large stones).
• Pathologies of the urethra and bladder: urethritis, cystitis ( in addition to visible blood in the urine, the patient also experiences pain in the lower abdomen, increased body temperature and painful urination).
• IN childhood red blood cells may appear in the urine against the background of cystitis, pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.

• Pathologies of the prostate gland, namely prostate adenoma, in the presence of which, along with red blood cells in the urine, the patient also experiences prolonged and progressive difficulty urinating.
• Kidney tumors ( in this case, red blood cells may be present in the patient’s urine for a fairly long period of time, without making themselves felt in any way).

What does ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) mean?

If we take fresh blood and place it in a thin glass tube that stands vertically, we can see how the red blood cells soon begin to settle to the bottom under the influence of gravity. ESR ( erythrocyte sedimentation rate) represents the rate of separation of blood, which is previously placed in a special capillary. In such cases, the blood is divided into exactly two layers - lower and upper. The lower layer of blood consists of settled red blood cells, but the upper layer includes transparent plasma. ESR is measured in millimeters per hour. For representatives of the stronger sex, the normal ESR is considered to be from one to ten millimeters per hour, but for the weaker half of humanity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate should be from two to fifteen millimeters per hour.

• in one-month-old children - 4-8 millimeters per hour
• in six-month-old children - 4-10 millimeters per hour
• in children from one to twelve years old - 4-12 millimeters per hour
• In pregnant women, the ESR should be approximately 45 millimeters per hour.

An increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate in most cases is the result of some inflammatory process that takes place in the human body. This can be either pyelonephritis or a common cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and so on.

As a rule, the more pronounced the inflammatory process, the more the sedimentation rate of red blood cells increases. It is quite possible that ESR may increase during menstruation, during pregnancy, in the case of non-inflammatory pathologies, anemia, chronic pathologies of the kidneys or liver, injuries, fractures, myocardial infarction, stroke, and so on. A decrease in ESR is observed infrequently. Most often it is caused by the presence of hepatitis, leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, and hyperbilirubinemia.

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Red cells in the blood, structural features, role and functions

Red blood cells are the most numerous blood cells. Everyone knows their main function - ensuring gas exchange processes between tissues. It is red blood cells that bring oxygen while removing excess carbon dioxide. These cells also have other functions that are much less known among non-specialists.

Red cells in the blood have a relatively stable number, changes in which both upward and downward are evidence of the development of a particular disease.

The situation is similar with the shape of red blood cells - normally it is a biconcave disc, but in case of disruption of the hematopoietic processes, autoimmune diseases or disorders in the electrolyte or acid-base balance of the plasma, the form can change, and it is often specific to a particular pathology.

But it is important to consider that such an indicator as the number of cells can vary over a wide range and depending solely on environmental factors. Thus, a person living in the mountains will have a significantly higher level of red blood cells than a person living on the plains, and this will not be a deviation from the norm. This is an example of the body's adaptation to living conditions.

The structure of red blood cells

Red cells in the blood are small cells, shaped like a biconcave lens, and unlike other formed elements (except platelets), they do not have cell nuclei. This feature distinguishes the blood of mammals from the blood of reptiles and birds. In evolutionarily earlier creatures, these cells not only retain their nuclei, but are also larger in size.

Changes acquired by red blood cells during evolution are aimed at improving their access to tissues. Their small size (in humans it is from seven to ten micrometers), the absence of a nucleus, and the shape of a biconcave lens provide them with the ability to temporarily change their shape to squeeze through even capillaries of the smallest diameter.

They lack not only a nucleus, but also other organelles, which increases the amount of hemoglobin that can fit in a red blood cell, which has a positive effect on the cell’s ability to bind oxygen. The shape of the cell also serves as a diagnostic criterion - with various types of acquired and congenital membranopathies and hemoglobinopathies, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the enzyme apparatus, a change in the shape of the erythrocyte is possible, which can be quite specific.

An important point is the characteristics of the antigens located on the membrane.

Main functions of red blood cells

Ensuring gas exchange processes is the function of red cells in the blood, known to everyone from school biology lessons. But these cells are also capable of transporting a number of biologically active substances and hormonal compounds; their role is also significant in ensuring blood clotting and fibrinolysis processes.

They are able to regulate acid-base balance blood, since the hemoglobin they contain is part of the blood buffer system. With a strong increase in glucose levels, it acquires the ability to bind to the hemoglobin contained in red blood cells, which is the basis for an analysis important in endocrinology - the determination of glycosylated hemoglobin.

This indicator indicates how often and how strongly the glucose concentration increases. Red blood cells regulate erythropoiesis, since the substances they contain, when the erythrocyte is destroyed, enter the bone marrow and stimulate the maturation of erythrocytes.

For adult men, the normal number of red cells in the blood is considered to be from 3.9 to 5.5 million per cubic millimeter, for women from 3.9 to 4.7. Moreover, their number is greater in newborns, and less in the elderly.

Erythrocytopenia - possible causes

Erythrocytopenia refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells below the values ​​​​established for a specific age and sex group. It can be a manifestation of a number of diseases:

Their number is significantly reduced in the event of acute blood loss, which can be either a consequence of injury or injury, or occur during surgical interventions.

Not only acute, but also chronic blood loss is noticeable in a blood test. The number of red blood cells in this case decreases as a result of excessively heavy menstrual bleeding, cancer pathology, internal or external hemorrhoids, as well as bleeding during peptic ulcer duodenum or stomach.

The lack of components necessary for the growth and differentiation of red blood cells also leads to a decrease in their number in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. The most significant in this case will be iron (which is necessary for the normal course of hemoglobin synthesis processes).

This situation can also occur with a large intake of fluid (which can happen both when drinking a significant amount of water and drinks, and with large volumes of infusions, as well as during pregnancy). The number of red blood cells remains the same, but the volume of blood plasma increases significantly.

In some autoimmune pathologies, acute poisoning with hemolytic poisons, in hereditary and acquired diseases of the hematopoietic system, a decrease in the content of red blood cells is possible due to their excessive destruction either in the spleen or directly in the bloodstream.

Conditions that may be accompanied by erythrocytosis

Unlike erythrocytopenia, with erythrocytosis, on the contrary, there is an increase in the number of red blood cells. At first glance, it may seem that this is, on the contrary, a positive phenomenon, because the supply of oxygen to tissues should improve. However, it is not.

Such blood thickening threatens a number of dangerous complications, including strokes.

Erythrocytosis, to a greater or lesser extent, can be determined in the following cases:

• Among the inhabitants of mountainous areas, as well as among tourists who have recently returned from areas located high above sea level. This phenomenon is an adaptive reaction of the body to a lower concentration of oxygen in the inhaled air and is not a pathology. Red cells in the blood are elevated to the extent necessary to compensate for the low partial pressure of oxygen.
• A similar adaptive reaction develops in the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, bronchial asthma, and other diseases accompanied by respiratory failure.
• Erythrocytosis is more or less common in smokers. It is especially pronounced if a person with this bad habit also suffers from pathology of the bronchopulmonary system (the same as smoker’s bronchitis).
• This phenomenon is also observed when the body is dehydrated, in which case the cause is a decrease in blood plasma volumes.

A more rare cause is Vaquez's disease, or polycythemia vera, as well as some other, less common diseases of the hematopoietic system. In this case, a blood test determines an excess of not only red blood cells, but also other blood cells.

Changes in the shape of red blood cells as a sign of pathological processes

Not only the number, but also the shape of red blood cells is important. A number of pathological processes, both congenital and acquired, are accompanied by changes in the shape of red blood cells, which can be an important diagnostic criterion, especially at the stage of making a preliminary diagnosis.

The phenomenon when red blood cells differ in shape from the normal variant is called poikilocytosis, and in contrast to anisocytosis (unequal size with a normal shape), this is considered a more unfavorable diagnostic sign.

Form changes may look like this:

Spherocytes

These cells lose their characteristic biconcave lens appearance and take on an almost spherical shape. Such changes indicate that the red blood cell is ready for hemolysis, which happens both with hemolytic anemia and transfusion of incompatible blood, and with severe burns or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Microspherocytes are pathognomonic for hereditary Minkowski-Choffard anemia.

Ovalocytes

Various disturbances in the structure of the cell membrane lead to such a change in shape. This occurs with anemia of various origins, and with toxic or viral liver damage.

Target-shaped red blood cells. They have clearing along the periphery and accumulation of hemoglobin in the center, making them look like shooting targets. This change in shape is characteristic of a number of hereditary hemoglobinopathies, some anemias, and lead intoxication.

Crescent shape

These red blood cells contain pathological hemoglobin, capable of polymerization, resulting in deformation of the cell membrane. Most characteristic of sickle cell anemia.

Dental cells. These cells have a difference in the shape of the central clearing.

Normally, it is round; in stomatocytes, the clearing is linear and resembles a mouth opening. Such red blood cells are found in patients with liver damage, neoplasms, and heart damage.

Echinocytes

They have protrusions on the membrane in the form of spikes, which are located evenly over the surface of the cell. It is observed in cases of severe kidney damage, electrolyte metabolism disorders, and genetically determined deficiency of enzymatic systems.

Schistocytes

The shape resembles a helmet or a fragment. They are determined in case of systemic lesions of small vessels, with disseminated intravascular coagulation, septic conditions, and malignant neoplasms.

Features of the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate has long been measured in clinical practice. The reaction can usually be carried out even with the most severe shortage of reagents and materials. It is not very specific, but can indicate some pathological processes. This test is based on the ability of red blood cells to settle under the influence of gravity.

This indicator is most significantly influenced by the ability of red blood cells to stick together, and after they stick together due to a change in the ratio of area to volume, the resistance of the sticking cells to the friction force is less. Thus, the greater the aggregation ability, the higher the settling rate.

The main reason that accelerates the process of erythrocyte sedimentation is an increase in the concentration of acute phase proteins in the blood plasma. The content of immunoglobulins and

fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin have a lesser effect.

Most often, this laboratory indicator, despite the low level of specificity, is used to assess the intensity of inflammatory phenomena. The higher the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the more intense the inflammation.

However, this indicator may also increase if:

• Malignant neoplasms.
• In pregnant women without any pathological processes.
• Row medicines, for example, salicylates also increase ROE.
• Septic, as well as autoimmune and immunocomplex processes.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate may not only increase, but also decrease.

This phenomenon can be observed when:

• Increasing the concentration of protein molecules in the blood plasma.
• Changing the shape of cells can reduce or increase the effect of frictional force, which can lead to a decrease in sedimentation rate.
• With disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and hepatitis, this phenomenon can also be observed.

Thus, although the erythrocyte sedimentation test is not highly specific, due to the display of the intensity of the inflammatory reaction, as well as screening capabilities, it remains invariably popular and is still included in the general blood test.

The functions and importance of red blood cells are not limited to ensuring gas exchange processes. Red blood cells are involved in maintaining the stability of the internal environment of the body through a number of other mechanisms. Some features and characteristic properties of these cells have served as the basis for important diagnostic methods.

Red blood cells are blood cells necessary to ensure gas exchange processes. In diseases, various changes in their structure and function can be observed, which is not only an important part of pathogenesis, but also important diagnostic criteria.

More details about red blood cells in the video:

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Elevated red blood cells in the blood: what does this mean in an adult?

Red blood cells are the formed elements of blood that provide the important function of oxygen metabolism in all tissues of the body. An increased content of red blood cells is determined during a general (clinical) blood test and can be caused by pathologies of the bone marrow and other internal organs.

Red blood cells live for days, after which the cells of the immune system (phagocytes) located in the spleen and liver cleanse the blood of destroyed formed elements.

98% of the volume of red blood cells is occupied by hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to the cells and carbon dioxide to the alveoli of the lungs.

The main functions of red blood cells in the body:

• transporting oxygen from the alveoli of the lungs to the tissues of the body and carbon dioxide to the lungs;
• transportation of biologically active substances (amino acids, fats, hormones);
• regulation of acid-base balance and water-salt metabolism;
• takes part in blood clotting.

Norm of red blood cells in the blood of adults (table)

Women have fewer red blood cells in their blood than men, which is caused by the physiological characteristics of the body:

• male sex hormones (androgens) promote more active bone marrow function and the formation of red blood cells, in contrast to female sex hormones (estrogens), which reduce this process;
• less muscle mass needs less oxygen, therefore, women have less red blood cells (and hemoglobin) in their blood.

Along with the total number of red blood cells, the level of reticulocytes is also measured. Normally, reticulocytes make up 1-2% of the total content of red blood cells in the blood, and indicate the intensity of erythropoiesis. The normal rate of reticulocytes in adults is 0.5-1.5 Tera/liter.

Causes of elevated red blood cells in the blood

An increased content of red blood cells in the blood is called erythrocytosis. Depending on the reasons that caused the pathology, three types of erythrocytosis are distinguished: primary, secondary and false (or relative).

Primary erythrocytosis occurs due to the development of primary polycythemia, a bone marrow tumor in which too many red blood cells, hemoglobin and white blood cells are produced. If the red blood cells are significantly increased - more than 6 Tera / liter - this is a symptom of primary erythrocytosis.

A secondary increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood can be caused by a lack of oxygen in the body tissues as a result of the following pathological processes:

• lung diseases (tuberculosis, pulmonary failure, etc.);
• heart failure;
• hemoglobinopathy is a hereditary genetic disorder of hemoglobin structure;
• intracardiac shunting of blood is a pathological process when venous blood enters the arterial bed, bypassing the lungs;
• hypoventilation syndrome - incomplete ventilation of the lungs due to blockage of the airways;
• oxygen starvation when smoking;
• staying in thin air in mountainous areas.

Also, the reasons for the increase in red blood cells in the blood may be hormonal disorders. If there is an excess of the hormone erythropoietin, then the red blood cells in the blood are significantly increased. A significant amount of erythropoietin in the blood is observed in the following diseases:

• polycystic kidney disease;
• malignant liver tumor;
• polycystic liver disease;
• tumors of the kidneys and adrenal glands of various etiologies;
• uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors in women;
• cerebellar hemangioblastoma;
• all types of anemia (deficiency of iron, vitamins B12, B9 (folic acid)).

A relative or false increase in the number of red blood cells can be observed with:

• extensive burns;
• dehydration (diarrhea, vomiting);
• use of diuretics;
• severe stress.

If there is a false increase, the level of red blood cells quickly returns to normal after the water deficit is replenished and the stress influence ceases.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an increased number of red blood cells manifest themselves differently, depending on the causes of the syndrome. The main signs that red blood cells are elevated in adults may be as follows:

• weakness;
• headaches and dizziness;
• visual impairment;
• itchy skin after a shower or bath;
• frequent redness of the face;
• brittle nails;
• poor hair growth and hair loss;
• dry skin;
• bright red tongue and mucous membranes;
• blood clot formation;
• increased pressure,
• liver enlargement.

An increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood can lead to thrombosis - blood clots in the veins and arteries that prevent blood from flowing to the limbs or internal organs.

Excessive formation of red blood cells can cause a pathological enlargement of internal organs involved in hematopoietic processes (liver, spleen, kidneys).

To diagnose a disease that has caused a high content of red blood cells in the blood, it is necessary to conduct additional tests: analysis for the hormone erythropoietin in the blood, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, osmotic resistance of red blood cells, ESR, hematocrit number and color index of blood.

How to reduce

Reducing the number of red blood cells is carried out using blood thinning drugs. For this purpose they are used medications, which can be divided into 2 groups:

Anticoagulants. Coagulation is the process of blood clotting, which occurs with the help of the protein fibrin (fibrinogen). Anticoagulants reduce fibrin in the blood plasma, and they can act both immediately after administration (heparin) and gradually, some time after the start of therapy (Warfarin, Phenilin).

Antiplatelet agents. The drugs act on platelets - blood cells that form blood clots when sticking to each other. Antiplatelet agents prevent platelet aggregation and promote blood thinning (Aspirin, Ipaton, Integrilin).

Erythrocytosis can be caused by serious pathological reasons, therefore, if red blood cells are elevated in a blood test, then it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the circulatory, cardiovascular, hormonal and excretory systems.

Diet

You can reduce the concentration of red blood cells in the blood by thinning it using nutrition. For this purpose, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that contain a large amount of iron, vitamin D and other microelements and contribute to the increased formation of hemoglobin cells, namely:

• fatty meats and smoked products;
• lard, butter and margarine;
• offal (kidneys, liver);
• rich meat broths;
• fresh white bread, pastries;
• full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese, whole milk, cheeses;
• potato;
• buckwheat;
• bananas, pomegranates, mangoes;
• peanuts, walnuts;
• White cabbage.

Also, if the number of red blood cells increases, you should not eat foods high in vitamin K, which can cause blood thickening and blood clots:

• drink decoctions of nettle, St. John's wort, yarrow;
• consume chokeberry, compote and juice from it;
• eat leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, all types of cabbage).

If the red blood cells in the blood are elevated, then it is necessary to include the following products in the diet that help thin the blood:

• vegetables (beets, red peppers, garlic, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, seaweed, corn, zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper);
• fruits and berries (oranges, pomegranates, cherries, grapes, cranberries, plums, apricots, melon);
• sunflower seeds;
• seafood;
• fresh fish (mackerel, herring).

To normalize water balance, it is important to follow the drinking regime:

• replenish the body’s need for fluid in a timely manner, especially in summer;
• drink tea (green, mint) and natural juice without sugar,

The following drinks are excluded from the diet:

• chlorinated water, as a large amount of chlorine increases blood clotting;
• alcohol (except for a glass of red wine);
• carbonated and sweet drinks.

Folk remedies

Recipes traditional medicine, which are used for elevated level red blood cells, help thin the blood, reduce blood pressure, normalization of heart rhythm and prevention of blood clots.

Dill seeds. The plant is actively used for diseases of the cardiovascular system, including reducing the level of red blood cells and normalizing blood pressure. Dill seeds contain flavonoids, essential oils and amino acids.

To prepare the product, dried dill seeds (100 grams) must be ground into powder using a coffee grinder and stored in a closed container in a dark place. You need to consume dill seed powder twice a day, one teaspoon, dissolving in your mouth for five minutes, and drinking water. The course of treatment is two months.

Herbal collection. For the medicinal infusion you will need: bitter wormwood, fireweed tea and mint infusion. The composition of medicinal herbs used for infusion includes organic acids (ascorbic, malic, succinic, aspartic, glutamic), essential oils and amino acids. An infusion of herbs helps reduce blood viscosity and normalize elevated red blood cells.

To prepare, you need to take 1 teaspoon of chopped herbs and pour a liter of boiling water. After 40 minutes, the liquid should be filtered and taken half a glass before meals three times a day for three weeks.

1. Introduction into the blood

Blood is nothing more than liquid tissue. It circulates through a closed system of blood vessels and performs a number of vital functions, including xx functions. This and possible nutrients to organs and tissues were reduced, and the liver was. gives special attention to the functions of nutrition, transport and protection. Thanks to these functions, the organs and tissues of the entire body are supplied with oxygen and all kinds of nutrients, as well as microorganisms are neutralized and “waste” human waste products are delivered to the organs that destroy these products.

As for the total amount of blood, men have up to 5–6 liters in their bodies, and women have 4–5 liters, and the speed of blood movement through the vessels reaches 40 km/h.

The main role is, of course, given to the composition of the blood, because only thanks to the presence of unique components in it that interact so harmoniously, the blood is provided with all the necessary properties.

The composition of blood is simple, like everything ingenious. It includes plasma - its liquid component and the so-called formed elements: erythrocytes, or red blood cells, leukocytes, known as white blood cells, and, finally, platelets, also called platelets.

Clinical tests provide invaluable assistance to the doctor in making a final diagnosis. It is the shift in the quantitative and qualitative composition of blood components upward or downward that indicates the presence of a certain disease. For a long time, a method has been sought that allows for quick and high-quality assessment of changes in indicators. And as a result of many years of painstaking work to find the optimal research method, it turned out to be the method of collecting capillary blood from a finger, usually the ring finger. This method is cheap, easy to use, quite informative and, importantly for many, practically painless.

Blood sampling lasts a few minutes and does not cause much discomfort. But for reliability it requires compliance with several simple rules, which will protect against erroneous and inaccurate results. For example, before the test you should refrain from drinking alcohol for at least three days before the blood draw. Also, the last meal should be 8-12 hours before the analysis. Therefore, the collection is carried out in the morning. Of course, in force majeure situations, when the doctor suspects a serious threat to life in the form acute diseases, such as acute appendicitis, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, blood is taken without delay, and the collection itself should not depend on the time of day or how long ago the meal was taken.

Plus, before donating blood to the laboratory, it is advised to refrain from excessive physical activity, such as running and moving heavy objects, and also to refrain from visiting baths, saunas, in general, from all intense effects on the body.

And, finally, how does this happen and how should it be carried out technically correctly?

It's really simple! Usually the ring finger is taken right hand, if necessary, you can use a similar finger on your left hand. As a last resort, you can use the middle or index finger, but practice shows that the ring finger is quite sufficient. Before taking blood, the skin is treated with an alcohol solution. Next, a laboratory assistant wearing rubber gloves takes a sterile disposable lancet and punctures the lateral surface of the soft tissue of the terminal phalanx. The first drop of blood is blotted with a cotton ball, and the last is used to prepare blood smears, as well as collection into a special glass capillary to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and evaluate other indicators, which will be discussed later.

Hemoglobin is rightfully considered one of the most important indicators studied during the analysis.

And the question may quite appropriately arise: “What is it and what is it for?”

Hemoglobin is nothing more than a special protein that is part of a red blood cell and has the unique ability to attach oxygen to itself, transferring it to all human organs and tissues. And its specific red color determines the characteristic color of the blood.

The hemoglobin molecule consists of two parts, one of which is called heme, which includes iron, and the second is a protein called globin.

Like everything else, hemoglobin has its own quantitative norms for content in the blood. So, for men this norm ranges from 130–160 g/l, for women – 120–140 g/l.

Under certain unfavorable conditions, the amount of hemoglobin can sharply decrease and cause a disease called anemia. The most common causes are iron deficiency, with insufficient intake from food or impaired absorption in the intestines, acute and chronic blood loss, lack of vitamin B 12 and folic acid. Anemia often occurs in patients with cancer. We should also not forget that anemia is a serious warning and requires immediate in-depth diagnostic procedures.

What happens in the body during anemia?

Simultaneously with the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin, there is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues, and those organs in which metabolism actively occurs are most affected: the heart, brain, liver and kidneys.

And the less hemoglobin, the more severe the anemia. Moreover, a value below 60 g/l is already considered life-threatening and requires an urgent blood or red blood cell transfusion.

Of course, the hemoglobin level may increase. This phenomenon occurs with leukemia, with dehydration of the body, when “thickening” of the blood occurs, and also as compensation in healthy people who are in high altitude conditions or in pilots after flying at high altitude.

Red cells, also known as red blood cells, are small, round, flat cells with a diameter of approximately 7.5 microns. A special feature of the red blood cell is its unique shape. So, at the edges it is thicker than in the center, and many compare it to the shape of a biconcave lens. It is believed that this form is the most optimal, and it is thanks to it that the red blood cells are maximally saturated with oxygen when they pass through the pulmonary capillaries, and with carbon dioxide when they pass through the internal organs and tissues.

How many red blood cells are there normally?

Rice. 1. This is what red blood cells look like

And again, their amount depends on gender and is normally 4-5 x 1012 g/l for men, and 3.7–4.7 x 1012 g/l for women.

Of course, the indicator of the number of red blood cells cannot do without fluctuations. With various diseases, their number can either decrease or drop sharply.

For example, a decrease in the content of red blood cells in the blood, by analogy with hemoglobin, may indicate the development of anemia.

But even here it is not without its peculiarities. The thing is that in various forms of anemia, the number of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin often decrease disproportionately, and the amount of hemoglobin itself in the red blood cell may vary. This should be taken into account when conducting a clinical blood test, because it is immediately necessary to determine the color indicator, which will be discussed later, and the average hemoglobin content in the red blood cell. Very often this provides invaluable assistance to the doctor in quickly and correctly diagnosing various forms of anemia.

We should not forget about the possibility of a pathological increase in the number of red blood cells, briefly called erythrocytosis in the medical community. In such cases, the indicator can increase to 8-12x1012 g/l or more. Unfortunately for both the doctor and the patient, this growth fact indicates the development of a form of leukemia called erythremia. Of course, there are cases of compensatory increase, when there is an increase in the number of red blood cells in response to a person being in extreme conditions, for example in the mountains or flying at high altitudes, where the atmosphere is depleted of oxygen. However, often a compensatory increase in the number of red blood cells also occurs in sick people who have an increase in the number of red blood cells, for example, with emphysema, pneumosclerosis, chronic bronchitis and other diseases accompanied by respiratory failure, or diseases accompanied by heart failure.

We should also not forget about other possible erythrocytosis, a prominent representative of which is erythrocytosis, known as parneoplastic (Greek para - near, with; neo... + Greek plasis - formations). This phenomenon occurs in various forms of cancer of the kidneys, pancreas and other organs.

You should know that with the development of various pathological processes, the shape and size of red blood cells may change unusually, which is an important diagnostic sign. Thus, in the blood with anemia, red blood cells of various sizes can be observed, which in the medical environment is called anisocytosis. Moreover, red blood cells with normal sizes are called normocytes, enlarged ones are called macrocytes, and reduced ones, as you might have guessed, are called microcytes. The latter occur in hemolytic anemia, anemia after chronic blood loss, as well as in malignant diseases. Enlarged red blood cells are observed with B 12 -, folate deficiency anemia, with malaria, as well as with diseases of the liver and lungs. Often with B 12 -, folate deficiency anemia and rarely with acute leukemia, very large red blood cells are found, which are called megalocytes. In addition to changes in size, during diseases, red blood cells can take on elongated, worm-shaped, pear-shaped and many other irregular shapes. This phenomenon is called poikilocytosis and is explained as a result of inadequate regeneration of red blood cells occurring in the bone marrow. Poikilocytosis is often a sign of B 12 deficiency anemia.

There are frequent cases of specific changes in the shape of red blood cells in some congenital diseases. For example, when a red blood cell is shaped like a sickle, this indicates the presence of sickle cell anemia. Another type of shape disorder is target-shaped red blood cells, the peculiarity of which is the reduction of the area in the center, which gives it the appearance of a target. This phenomenon occurs in thalassemia or lead poisoning.

Rice. 2. This is what a pathologically altered red blood cell looks like

We should not forget that it is possible to detect young forms of red blood cells in the blood - the so-called reticulocytes, the norm of which ranges from 0.2–1.2% of the total number of red blood cells. A change in the number of reticulocytes allows us to judge the ability of the bone marrow to quickly return the number of red blood cells to normal in anemia. For example, in the treatment of B 12 deficiency anemia, one of the first signs of recovery is an increase in the content of reticulocytes in the blood and is called reticulocytosis. At the same time, when the level of reticulocytes in the blood increases as much as possible, this phenomenon is called reticulocyte crisis.

However, in the case of a decrease in the level of reticulocytes with prolonged anemia, it indicates that the regenerative ability of the bone marrow is reduced and is a bad sign.

In cases where anemia is absent, but reticulocytosis is present, the full range of diagnostic procedures should be carried out, since this fact may indicate the presence of cancer metastases in the bone marrow and some forms of leukemia.

Another indicator when working with red blood cells is the color index, which is normally 0.86-1.05. A change in this indicator, either downward or upward, may indicate the presence of a disease. In the case when the color index is higher than 1.05, this indicates the presence of hyperchromia (Greek. hyper- above, above, on the other side; chroma– color) and appears in people with B 12 deficiency anemia.

As in the case of an increase, a decrease in the color index by 0.8 or less indicates hyperchromia (Greek. hypo– below, under), which is most often found in iron deficiency anemia. Hypochromic anemia often develops with malignant tumors, very often with stomach cancer.

In cases where the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin level are reduced, while the color index is within the normal range, we can speak of normochromic anemia, which includes the so-called hemolytic and aplastic anemia. In this case, with the first disease, rapid destruction of red blood cells occurs, and with the second, an insufficient number of red blood cells is produced in the bone marrow.

Another indicator characterizing the volumetric excess or deficiency of red blood cells in the blood is the hematocrit number, or hematocrit. Simply put, hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of plasma. This indicator for men is 0.4–0.48, and for women – 0.36–0.42.

By analogy with other indicators, a decrease or increase in hematocrit indicates the presence of a disease. Thus, a decrease in the hematocrit number is observed with anemia and blood dilution and is due to the patient receiving a large amount of medicinal solutions or taking a large amount of liquid orally.

An increase in the indicator occurs with erythremia - a form of severe cancer of the blood and compensatory erythrocytosis.

Now the time has come to talk about perhaps the most famous of the indicators - the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Many people like speed, but in the case of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, it is better that it be minimal and fall within the range of 1-10 mm/h for men, and 2-15 mm/h for women.

Rice. 3. Test tubes for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate

But why is that? What is this indicator? What does this speed mean?

It's simple! ESR is the rate at which uncoagulated blood placed in a special capillary is divided into two layers. The first lower one consists of settled red blood cells, and the second upper one consists of transparent plasma. As you might have guessed, this indicator is measured neither in kilometers nor in meters, but precisely in millimeters per hour.

An increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as a rule, is always a bad sign, indicating a malfunction in the body.

What is the reason for the increase?

It is believed that ESR increases due to an increase in the ratio of large protein particles, known as globulins, to small ones, called albumins, in the blood plasma. It is worth noting that globulins include antibodies that perform a protective function. When viruses, bacteria, or fungi enter the body, the number of antibodies quickly increases, which entails a change in the ratio of blood proteins.

That is why the main reason for the increase in ESR is a response to the inflammatory process that occurs in the human body. Therefore, when a person falls ill with any infectious or non-infectious disease, be it pneumonia, sore throat or simply inflammation of the joints, his ESR immediately increases. Moreover, how much it increases directly depends on the severity of the inflammation. Thus, with a mild form, ESR can increase to 15–20 mm/h, and with a severe form – up to 60–80 mm/h.

However, when the ESR decreases during treatment, this indicates a favorable course of the disease and a quick recovery of the patient.

It would be a mistake to say that an increase in ESR always indicates inflammation. The value of ESR is influenced by many factors: a change in the ratio of the dense and liquid parts of the blood, a decrease or increase in the number of red blood cells, loss of protein in the urine, and even a violation of protein synthesis in the liver.

It is also possible to distinguish groups of specifically non-inflammatory diseases that lead to an increase in ESR. These are anemia, severe liver and kidney diseases, malignant tumors, myocardial infarction, pulmonary infarction, stroke, as well as frequent blood transfusions and vaccine therapy.

It should not be forgotten that in addition to pathological reasons for an increase in ESR, there are also physiological ones, which include pregnancy or menstruation in women.

It must be remembered that an increase in ESR may not occur if the patient has any concomitant pathology, such as chronic cardiopulmonary failure; diseases and conditions, such as compensatory erythrocytosis and erythremia, in which the number of red blood cells in the blood may increase; acute viral hepatitis and obstructive jaundice; increase in protein in the blood. Plus, taking calcium chloride and aspirin can help reduce ESR.

White blood cells, more often called leukocytes in the medical community, are colorless cells, round or irregular in shape, ranging in size from 6 to 20 microns. White blood cells are often compared to an amoeba because they are similar to a single-celled organism in that they have a nucleus and are able to move without any help. Another feature of white blood cells is that their number in the blood is much less than the same red blood cells and amounts to 4.0–8.8x10 9 g/l.

What are leukocytes?

Rice. 4. This is what a leukocyte looks like

Leukocytes can rightfully be called the main protective factor in the human body’s resistance to all kinds of diseases. These cells are armed with special enzymes that can “process” microorganisms, and foreign proteins and breakdown products that are formed in the body during the life of the organism can bind and break down. And do not forget about the ability of certain forms of leukocytes to produce special protein particles that attack any foreign microorganisms that enter the blood, or onto the mucous membranes or other human organs and tissues.

White blood cells are divided into two main types. Thus, granulocytes, or granular leukocytes, are those cells in which the cytoplasm has a specific granularity. At the same time, granulocytes are also divided into three groups: neutrophils, divided into band and segmented, as well as basophils and eosinophils.

As you might have guessed, the second type of leukocytes does not contain granules in the cytoplasm and two groups are distinguished among them - lymphocytes and monocytes. The listed types of leukocytes have specific functions and change differently in various diseases.

The phenomenon in which the level of leukocytes is higher than normal is called leukocytosis, while a decrease is called leukopenia.

These phenomena can be physiological, occurring normally in healthy people, or pathological, occurring when certain diseases occur.

In what specific cases can physiological leukocytosis be observed?

The so-called digestive leukocytosis can occur 2-3 hours after eating. Other causes include leukocytosis after intense physical activity, taking hot or cold baths, psycho-emotional stress, as well as before menstruation and in the second half of pregnancy.

Therefore, before conducting a study of leukocyte count indicators, you should avoid stressful situations, intense physical activity, and water procedures. It is also better to take blood samples in the morning on an empty stomach.

The causes of pathological leukocytosis are all kinds of pathological diseases, including otitis media, erysipelas, meningitis, pneumonia, as well as suppuration and inflammatory processes of the pleura (empyema, pleurisy), abdominal cavity(appendicitis, peritonitis, pancreatitis), subcutaneous tissue (felon, phlegmon, abscess). In addition, pathological leukocytosis can cause extensive burns of parts of the body, infarctions of the heart, lungs, spleen and kidneys, conditions after significant blood loss, leukemia, chronic renal failure, or chronic renal failure, as well as diabetic coma.

It should be borne in mind that due to weakened immunity in elderly people, exhausted people, alcoholics and drug addicts in the above conditions, leukocytosis may be absent. It must be remembered that if there is no leukocytosis in infectious and inflammatory diseases, then this is an unkind sign and does not bode well.

Another type of pathology, but due to a decrease in the number of leukocytes below 4.0x10 9 / l, is leukopenia, the cause of which is the inhibition of the formation of leukocytes in the bone marrow. In addition to the main common mechanisms for the development of leukopenia, rare alternative mechanisms are also observed. Among them are excessive destruction in the vascular bed and redistribution of leukocytes with their retention in depot organs, which is observed in shock or collapse.

What diseases and pathological conditions contribute to the development of leukopenia?

Leukopenia may occur due to exposure to ionizing radiation after taking medicines, among which it is worth highlighting: anti-inflammatory drugs (analgin, amidopyrine); antibiotics (sulfonamides, levomethicin); drugs that inhibit thyroid function (mercazolyl, propicil); drugs used to treat cancer - so-called cytostatics (methotrexane, vincristine). Among the culprits of leukopenia are hypoplastic or aplastic diseases, the causes of which are still poorly understood, as well as diseases that occur with damage to the spleen, among which it is worth noting cirrhosis of the liver, lymphogranulomatosis, syphilis and tuberculosis. In addition, leukopenia occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus, B 12-deficiency anemia, in oncology with metastases to the bone marrow and in initial stages the development of leukemia, as well as due to certain infectious diseases such as malaria, brucellosis, typhoid fever, measles, rubella, influenza and viral hepatitis.

Rice. 5. This is what leukemia looks like

For ease of diagnosis, the percentage of all forms of leukocytes in the blood is used as an assistant. And this ratio is called the leukocyte formula. For convenience, all values ​​of the leukocyte formula are presented in Table No. 1.

Thus, with an increase in the percentage of certain forms of leukocytes, the ending in the names changes accordingly to - ia, - oz or - ez, for example, (neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinophilia, basophilia, lymphocytosis).

In the case when the percentage decreases, the ending - singing is added to the name of this type of leukocytes, for example, neutropenia, monocytopenia, eosinopenia, basopenia, lymphopenia.

But determining the percentage is not a sufficient solution for making a diagnosis and, if used only, can lead to diagnostic errors. Therefore, in addition to the percentage of forms of leukocytes, their absolute number is also examined. For example, if the leukocyte formula of lymphocytes contains 12%, which is below the established norm, while the total number of leukocytes is 13x10 9 g/l, then the absolute number of lymphocytes in the blood is 1.56x10 9 g/l, that is, “fits” into a normative meaning.

Therefore, it is customary to distinguish between absolute and relative changes in the content of various forms of leukocytes. Thus, absolute neutrophilia or neutropenia and absolute lymphocytosis or lymphopenia denote cases when there is a percentage increase or decrease in certain types of leukocytes with their permissible absolute content in the blood. It happens that both the relative and absolute numbers of different forms of leukocytes are disrupted. This indicates the presence of absolute lymphocytosis or lymphopenia, absolute neutrophilia or neutropenia, and so on.

It should be kept in mind that different types leukocytes, provide various protective reactions, and by analyzing the leukocyte formula, you can learn a lot about the nature of the pathological process and help the attending physician make an accurate final diagnosis.

Now we can take a closer look at what a decrease or increase in various types of leukocytes indicates.

For example, neutrophilia speaks very clearly about the development of an acute inflammatory process and especially about purulent diseases. Moreover, in medical terminology, inflammation is indicated by adding the ending - it to the Latin or Greek name of the organ, and accordingly, neutrophilia is observed with meningitis, appendicitis, pancreatitis, otitis, etc., as well as phlegmon and abscesses of various localizations and erysipelas.

Plus, many other infectious diseases, diabetic coma, myocardial infarction, stroke, severe renal failure and bleeding, are accompanied by an increase in the number of neutrophils.

In addition, taking glucocorticoid hormonal drugs, such as prednisolone, triamcinolone, cortisone, can provoke an increase in the number of neutrophils.

It is worth noting that during purulent processes and acute inflammation, stab leukocytes are most active. Moreover, an increase in the number of leukocytes of this type in the blood is called a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left, or a band shift.

In addition to an increase in the number of neutrophils, there are also cases of their decrease. This phenomenon is called neutropenia. It may occur with some infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever and malaria and viral diseases - influenza, polio and viral hepatitis A. Another decrease in the number of neutrophils occurs during severe inflammatory and purulent processes and is an unkind sign, indicating an unfavorable prognosis for the patient.

Also, a decrease in the number of neutrophils can be observed when bone marrow function is suppressed, B 12-deficiency anemia develops, the body receives a dose of ionizing radiation, intoxication when taking many medications, such as analgin, biseptol, chloramphenicol, cefazolin, mercazolil and many others.

If you were careful, you were able to notice that what causes leukopenia also leads to a decrease in neutrophils in the blood.

Now we find out when a pathological decrease or increase in the level of lymphocytes occurs. Thus, lymphocytosis is observed in infections such as brucellosis, typhoid and relapsing epidemic typhus and tuberculosis.

For example, in tuberculosis patients, an increase in the level of lymphocytes is a good sign and indicates that the disease is proceeding favorably and a speedy recovery is possible, while lymphopenia indicates the opposite.

Plus, lymphocytosis often appears with decreased thyroid function: hypothyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, chronic radiation sickness, bronchial asthma, B 12-deficiency anemia, fasting. There are known cases of lymphocytosis when taking drugs.

A decrease in lymphocytes indicates a decrease in immunity and is very often detected in patients with severe and prolonged infectious and inflammatory processes, severe forms of tuberculosis, AIDS, certain forms of leukemia and lymphogranulomatosis, prolonged fasting, which leads to the development of dystrophy, as well as in persons suffering from chronic alcoholism, drug addicts and substance abusers.

A decrease in monocytes is most common when infectious mononucleosis, as well as for infectious mumps and rubella. The appearance of monocytosis in the blood indicates the presence of severe diseases - sepsis, tuberculosis, some forms of leukemia, as well as malignant diseases of the lymphatic system, such as lymphogranulomatosis and lymphoma.

While monocytopenia indicates damage to the bone marrow and occurs in aplastic anemia and hairy cell leukemia.

And finally, let’s look at the reasons for changes in the number of eosinophils and basophils.

An increase in the level of eosinophils indicates the presence of the following pathological conditions in the body:

Allergic diseases and conditions ( bronchial asthma, urticaria, Quincke's edema and others).

Some skin diseases(eczema and psoriasis).

Collagenosis (rheumatism, SLE, or systemic lupus erythematosus).

Some severe blood diseases (lymphogranulomatosis).

Infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis).

Taking certain medications (antibiotics).

Hereditary forms of eosinophilia.

Eosinopenia may appear at the height of one or another infectious disease, B 12 deficiency anemia and in cases of bone marrow damage.

An increase in the number of basophils in the blood indicates the presence of chronic myeloid leukemia and decreased thyroid function. However, there are physiological reasons basophilia, for example, in the premenstrual period in women.

A decrease in the number of basophils, on the contrary, indicates an increase in thyroid function, as well as pregnancy and possible stress. Basopenia also occurs in Itsenko-Cusheng disease, a pathological condition when the functioning of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands is disrupted and the level of glucocorticoids in the blood increases.

Blood platelets, or platelets, are the names given to the last smallest representatives of blood cells. After all, their size is only 1.5–2.5 microns. But, despite their small size, platelets perform one of the most important functions - preventing and stopping bleeding. And if the balance of platelets is disturbed, this can lead to extensive bleeding and pathological changes in blood vessels - they lose elasticity and begin to bleed.

Rice. 6. This is what platelets look like

But before we look at what consequences a change in the number of blood platelets may have, it is necessary to find out what their normal number is. So in a healthy person the number of platelets is 200-400x10 9 g/l.

As you might have guessed, for various reasons this number may change. Along with the quantity, the name also changes. Therefore, if the platelet level falls below 200x10 9 g/l, then this condition is called thrombocytopenia, while an increase in their level by more than 400x10 9 g/l is called thrombocytosis.

A decrease in platelet levels is a dangerous condition that is accompanied by heavy and prolonged bleeding. This condition is observed in certain diseases and conditions, namely:

Werlhof's disease, or autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, in which, under the influence of specific antibodies, increased destruction of platelets in the blood occurs.

Acute and chronic forms of leukemia.

Decreased platelet production due to aplastic and hypoplastic conditions of unknown cause, B 12 -, folate deficiency anemia, as well as cancer metastases to the bone marrow.

Increased activity of the spleen in liver cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, etc.

Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism.

Some viral diseases, such as measles, rubella, influenza, etc.

DIC syndrome, or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome.

Taking certain medications that cause toxic or immune damage to the bone marrow: cytostatics (vincristine, vinblastine), aspirin, analgin, levomethicin.

Because low content blood cells can lead to serious complications, it is necessary to perform a bone marrow puncture to study antiplatelet antibodies.

An increase in platelet levels may not cause bleeding, but it is a bad sign and can accompany very serious diseases.

What are the most common reasons increased platelet levels?

Firstly, malignant tumors such as kidney or stomach cancer.

Secondly, oncological diseases of the blood, such as leukemia.

It is worth noting that thrombocytosis often serves as an early signal of a dangerous disease, which is especially important in diagnosis.

In addition to diseases, the cause of an increase in the number of platelets can be a condition after extensive blood loss, after removal of the spleen and during sepsis.

(carbon dioxide) in the opposite direction.

However, in addition to participating in the breathing process, they also perform the following functions in the body:

• participate in the regulation of acid-base balance;
• maintain isotonicity of blood and tissues;
• adsorb amino acids and lipids from blood plasma and transfer them to tissues.

Formation of red blood cells

b) Then it turns red - now it is an erythroblast

c) decreases in size during development - now it is a normocyte

d) loses its nucleus - now it is a reticulocyte. In birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, the nucleus simply loses activity, but retains the ability to reactivate. Simultaneously with the disappearance of the nucleus, as the erythrocyte matures, ribosomes and other components involved in protein synthesis disappear from its cytoplasm.

Reticulocytes enter the circulatory system and after a few hours become full-fledged red blood cells.

Structure and composition

Typically, red blood cells are shaped like a biconcave disc and contain primarily the respiratory pigment hemoglobin. In some animals (for example, camel, frog) red blood cells are oval in shape.

The contents of the red blood cell are represented mainly by the respiratory pigment hemoglobin, which causes the red color of the blood. However, on early stages the amount of hemoglobin in them is small, and at the erythroblast stage the cell color is blue; later, the cell becomes gray and only when fully matured, it acquires a red color.

Human erythrocytes (red blood cells).

An important role in the erythrocyte is played by the cellular (plasma) membrane, which allows gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide), ions (,) and water to pass through. The plasmalemma is penetrated by transmembrane proteins - glycophorins, which, due to the large number of sialic acid residues, are responsible for approximately 60% of the negative charge on the surface of erythrocytes.

On the surface of the lipoprotein membrane there are specific antigens of a glycoprotein nature - agglutinogens - factors of blood group systems (more than 15 blood group systems have been studied at the moment: A0, Rh factor, Duffy, Kell, Kidd), causing agglutination of erythrocytes.

The efficiency of hemoglobin functioning depends on the size of the surface of contact of the erythrocyte with the environment. The total surface area of ​​all red blood cells in the body is greater, the smaller their size. In lower vertebrates, erythrocytes are large (for example, in the tailed amphibian Amphium - 70 microns in diameter), the erythrocytes of higher vertebrates are smaller (for example, in a goat - 4 microns in diameter). In humans, the diameter of an erythrocyte is 7.2-7.5 microns, thickness - 2 microns, volume - 88 microns³.

Blood transfusion

When blood is transfused from a donor to a recipient, agglutination (gluing) and hemolysis (destruction) of red blood cells are possible. To prevent this from happening, it is worth taking into account the blood groups discovered by K. Landsteiner and J. Jansky in 1900. Agglutination is caused by proteins located on the surface of the red blood cell - antigens (agglutinogens) and antibodies found in the plasma (agglutinins). There are 4 blood groups, each characterized by different antigens and antibodies. Transfusion is possible only between representatives of the same blood group. But for example, blood group I (0) is a universal donor, and IV (AB) is a universal recipient.

Place in the body

The shape of the biconcave disc ensures the passage of red blood cells through the narrow lumens of the capillaries. In the capillaries they move at a speed of 2 centimeters per minute, which gives them time to transfer oxygen from hemoglobin to myoglobin. Myoglobin acts as a messenger, taking oxygen from hemoglobin in the blood and passing it on to cytochromes in muscle cells.

The number of red blood cells in the blood is normally maintained at a constant level (in humans there are 4.5-5 million red blood cells in 1 mm³ of blood, in some ungulates there are 15.4 million (llama) and 13 million (goat) red blood cells, in reptiles - from 500 thousand. up to 1.65 million, in cartilaginous fish - 90-130 thousand) The total number of red blood cells decreases with anemia, increases with polycythemia.

The lifespan of a human erythrocyte is on average 125 days (about 2.5 million erythrocytes are formed every second and the same number are destroyed). In dogs - 107 days, in rabbits and cats - 68.

Pathology

Human red blood cells of various shapes (diagram).

Literature

• Yu.I Afansyev Histology, Cytology, and Embryology. / Shubikova E.A. - fifth revised and expanded. - Moscow: “Medicine”, 2002. - 744 p. - ISBN 5-225-04523-5

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See what “Red Blood Cells” are in other dictionaries:

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Leukocytes, lymphoid cells, lymphatic bodies, indifferent educational cells, also phagocytes, micro and macrophages (see below). This is the name given to those found in the blood next to red blood cells, as well as in many others... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

HEMOLYSIS- HEMOLYSIS, HEMATOLYSIS (from the Greek haima blood and lysis dissolution), a phenomenon in which the stroma of erythrocytes, being damaged, releases Hb, diffusing into the environment; in this case, the blood or a suspension of red blood cells becomes transparent (“varnish... ... Great Medical Encyclopedia

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The formation of blood in the vertebrate embryo occurs simultaneously with the formation of blood vessels and from one rudiment common to them: the vessels are formed in the form of continuous cords of mesodermic cells, of which the outer ones form the wall of the vessel, and... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

- (lien, splen) the largest lymphatic gland, very constant in vertebrates and also found in some invertebrates. So, in a scorpion, a long cord stretches over the nerve cord in the abdomen, the cells of which have phagocytic... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

- (lien, splen) the largest lymphatic gland, very constant in vertebrates and also found in some invertebrates. So, in a scorpion, a long cord stretches over the nerve cord in the abdomen, the cells of which have phagocytic... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Red blood cells - what are they?

The formation of red blood cells occurs in the red bone marrow under the influence of a special kidney hormone called erythropoietin. If you look at a mature red blood cell that moves in the blood, you can immediately note that it contains neither organelles nor a nucleus. Mature blood cells do not tend to synthesize nucleic acids and hemoglobin. Since red blood cells have a low metabolic rate, this fact gives them the ability to survive for at least one hundred and twenty days. It is this period that is considered to be the period of wear and tear of red blood cells. At the end of this period, sedimentation of these bodies is noted, after which they undergo a series of destructions in the area of ​​the spleen and liver. New red blood cells are constantly being formed, which is why in most cases there is a constant number of red blood cells in human blood.

Red blood cells contain a fairly large amount of hemoglobin, a special protein that contains iron. It is due to hemoglobin that red blood cells manage to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs, and carbon dioxide to the lungs. Hemoglobin is characterized by a red color. As a result, red blood cells and blood are also endowed with the same color.
The main function of red blood cells is considered to be the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. In addition, they help maintain the acid-base balance in the blood, and also protect and nourish the tissues and organs of the human body.

Red blood cells

Normal level of red blood cells in the blood
The level of red blood cells in the blood can be determined through a clinical blood test. In representatives of the stronger sex, the normal number of red blood cells should be from 4 to 5.1 million in one cubic millimeter of blood. For representatives of the fairer sex, this figure ranges from 3.7 to 4.7 million in one cubic millimeter of blood.

The level of red blood cells in a child’s blood is determined by his age:

• On the first day of a child’s life – from 4.3 to 7.6 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first month of a child’s life - from 3.8 to 5.6 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first six months of a child’s life - from 3.5 to 4.8 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• In the first year of a child’s life - from 3.6 to 4.9 million in one cubic millimeter of blood
• From one to twelve years - from 3.5 to 4.7 million in one cubic millimeter of blood

The fact that the blood of a newborn baby has the highest number of red blood cells is very easy to explain. The fact is that, while in the womb, the child needs a higher number of red blood cells, since only in this way can his tissues and organs receive the amount of oxygen they need. As soon as the baby is born, red blood cells immediately begin to disintegrate and be replaced by new ones. If a newborn develops jaundice, it means that red blood cells are breaking down very quickly in his body.

Level of red blood cells in the blood of pregnant women
The number of red blood cells can sometimes decrease during pregnancy. In principle, this is considered to be a normal condition, since during pregnancy, almost all expectant mothers experience a lack of iron in the body. In addition, the decrease in red blood cells may also be due to dilution of the blood due to water retention in the body.

Changes in the level of red blood cells in the blood and their explanation
The number of red blood cells in the blood can either decrease or increase relative to the norm.

Increased level of red blood cells in the blood - what does this mean?
A condition accompanied by an increase in the level of red blood cells per unit volume of blood is called erythrocytosis. In principle, this condition is observed extremely rarely. Sometimes people experience a physiological increase in the number of red blood cells due to excessive physical exertion, frequent stressful situations, living in the mountains, or excessive dehydration. An increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood is considered to be a pathology if:

• In humans, there is an increased formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. In most cases, this excessive formation of red cells is due to the presence of certain blood diseases, which include erythremia. In the presence of this pathology, a person has a bright red coloration of the skin of both the face and neck.
• An increase in the number of red blood cells occurred due to excessive synthesis of erythropoietin in the kidneys, against the background of pathologies of the cardiovascular system or respiratory tract, due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. As a rule, in all these cases, an increase in the level of red blood cells indicates the presence of long-term pathology of the lungs or heart.

There are also cases when the level of red blood cells decreases due to a lack of vitamin AT 12 or folic acid. In such cases, in addition to anemia, patients experience disturbances in both sensitivity and gait.
The state of increased destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. This condition can arise both as a result of hereditary pathologies and due to a violation of the structure of the red cell membrane, against the background hemoglobinopathies or Marchiafava-Miceli disease. It is quite possible that increased destruction of red cells may develop due to mechanical or toxic damage to their membrane. A decrease in the level of these blood cells is also possible with excessive blood loss. The number of red blood cells can be determined by general blood test.

Red blood cells in urine

Sometimes red blood cells are found in urine in the form of a minor impurity that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This type of impurity can only be detected through microscopic examination of urine.
When gross hematuria in the patient’s urine there is an accumulation of a very large number of red blood cells, which can be seen with the naked eye. Plus, the urine in such cases turns red.

The reasons contributing to the development of red blood cells in the urine include:
In most cases

• Kidney pathologies: pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis ( in the presence of these diseases, the patient experiences not only the presence of red blood cells in the urine, but also pain in the lumbar region, as well as an increase in this case, red blood cells can be present in the patient’s urine for a fairly long period of time, without in any way giving any know for yourself).

What does ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) mean?

ESR in children is determined by their age:

• in one-month-old children - 4-8 millimeters per hour
• in six-month-old children - 4-10 millimeters per hour
• in children from one to twelve years old - 4-12 millimeters per hour
• In pregnant women, the ESR should be approximately 45 millimeters per hour.