WHITE BLOOD CELLS
Learning objectives
Classify WBC and describe their function
Morphology and functions of various types
of WBCs
Variations in WBC count
Monocyte-macrophage system and its
function
LEUCOPOIESIS
Development & maturation of leucocytes
PLEURIPOTENT STEM CELLS
Committed stem cells ( myeloid & lymphoid stem
cells )
-Lymphoid stem cells - lymphocytes
- Myeloid stem cells-Erythroid series
Megakaryoid series
Granulocyte-monocyte series
Pluripoient stem cell
IL-1,IL-6,IL-3 GM-CSF, G-CSF
Committed stem cell
Myeloid stem cell Lymphoid stem cell
EP
GM-CSF,IL-3,4,5
CFU--E CFU-GM CFU-M
granulocyte megakaryocyte
RBC N B E M P L
5
WBC ( LEUCOCYTES )
These are the nucleated formed elements of the
blood.
Major role- defense mechanism of the body
For about 700 RBC there is one WBC (700:1).
Normal WBC count-4000-11,000 cells/cumm of
blood
Classification
The leucocytes can be classified as
GRANULOCYTES-
NEUTROPHILS,
EOSINOPHILS,
BASOPHILS
AGRANULOCYTES-
LYMPHOCYTES
MONOCYTES
NEUTROPHILS
Neutrophils are most prevalent, comprising 50 – 70% of
total leukocytes.
They provide the major defense against acute
pyogenic infections.
Neutrophils exhibit active ameboid movements. In
infections, they immediately migrate to the site of
microbial invasion in response to chemical factors. They
ingest organisms and kill them.
Thus, in neutropenia, body is vulnerable to bacterial
infections.
Morphology & functions of WBC’s
NEUTROPHILS
Size – 10-14 microns
Nucleus – multilobed
Normal count – 50- 70 %
Cytoplasm –fine pink granules
Granules are neutrophilic in nature and contain
substances like elastase, proteinase ,lysozyme
FUNCTIONS- Phagocytosis
Arneth count: The oldest neutrophils may
have 6 or 7 lobes in their nucleus. Based on
the nuclear lobes, neutrophils are classified
as N1 to N6/N7. This is called Arneth count
(Figs. 18.2A to F).
PHAGOCYTOSIS
Process of ingestion& killing of microbes or a
foreign substance by a phagocyte
Stages-
CHEMOTAXIS
DIAPEDESIS
OPSONIZATION (IgG and complement proteins), ADHERENCE
INGESTION
KILLING
Variations
NEUTROPHILIA:
A)physiological: Exercise and pregnancy
B)Pathological: Acute pyogenic infections,
Inflammation
NEUTROPENIA:
-bone marrow depression
Eosinophils
Size – 10-14 microns diameter
Nucleus – usually bilobed
Normal count – 1 – 4 % of WBCs
Cytoplasm –acidophilic
Granules- appear coarse & brick red with
acidic (eosin) dye
- Granules contain major basic protein,
peroxidase, histaminase, lysozymes.
FUNCTIONS
- Against helminthic infections
- Against allergy
- Mild phagocytosis
VARIATIONS
EOSINOPHILIA:
- Allergic conditions
- parasitic infestations
EOSINOPENIA:
-Aplastic anemia
BASOPHILS
<1% of total leucocytes
Cell size is 10 –14 .
Usually the nucleus is bilobed
Dark bluish coarse granules
Granules contain histamine, heparin ,Eosinophilic
chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis
Life span is about 10 – 15 days.
Functions of Basophils
role in acute & chronic allergic reactions
mild phagocytosis
VARIATIONS
BASOPHILIA
- Chicken pox
-urticaria
-TB
BASOPENIA:
- Injection of corticosteroids
Lymphocytes
20-40% of total leucocytes
2types : small & large
Large centrally placed nucleus.
Contains small amount of cytoplasm.
Lymphocytes play important role in immunity.
T lymphocytes- Cellular immunity
B lymphocytes can transform into plasma cells that
secrete antibodies, mediate Humoral immunity
Natural killer cells mediate natural &non-specific
immunity
VARIATIONS
LYMPHOCYTOSIS:
TB, viral infections
LYMPHOCYTOPENIA:
Hypoplastic bone marrow
Monocytes
2-8%of total leucocytes
Cell size 12 – 25 in diameter
Horseshoe or kidney shaped
nucleus and is eccentrically
placed.
Mononuclear phagocyte
Functions of Monocytes
2nd line defense
Active phagocytosis.
Antigen presenting cell
Mature monocyte enter the tissues to become “tissue
macrophages” which helps in defense mechanism
They also synthesize complement proteins &cytokines
Variations
MONOCYTOSIS:
-TB
- Leukaemias
MONOCYTOPENIA:
- Hypoplastic bone marrow
Monocyte-macrophage System
(Reticulo-endothelial system/ Mononuclear phagocyte system)
Originate in the bone marrow and participate in
immune response
Cellular components
Monocytes
Macrophages
Few endothelial cells of bone marrow, spleen
& lymph node
Functions
Help in immune response or defense system
Phagocytosis
Antigen presentation
Cytokine production
Spleen-hemopoietic function in fetus
Removal of senile blood cells
Breakdown of hemoglobin & formation of
bilirubin.
