The list of the main functions of monocytes will be considered in this article.
When we receive a complete blood count, we cannot figure it out without the help of a doctor. Meanwhile, some indicators need to be known in order to at least a little navigate the situation. A separate column in the analysis form is the number of monocytes, which monitors the patient's recovery. For example, if after suffering a sore throat, an increased number of monocytes persists for a long time, then the doctor may suggest the development of incipient rheumatoid inflammation. The difference between the indicators in the analyzes and the normative value always looks frightening.
What are monocytes responsible for in the blood? Functions and norm are presented below.
However, an experienced doctor never draws conclusions on the basis of only one value, but considers a set of data in dynamics. So let's tryfigure out what's what. Let's talk about what these cells are, what determines the number of monocytes in the blood, what role they play in the human body and what threatens them with a decrease or increase.
Building
Compared to neutrophils and lymphocytes, monocytes have a rather large size, 18-20 microns. When viewed under a microscope, the core in them is clearly visible - usually it is not divided into fragments, large, slightly elongated, dark, similar to a bean. In the cytoplasm of a monocyte there are lysosomes, thanks to which their main functions are carried out.
The outlines of these cells change: outgrowths often form on it. Thanks to them, monocytes can move to the objects of attack and pursue them. They also exit the blood into tissues, where they become macrophages.
Monocyte functions
Bone marrow is responsible for their production. After maturation, their location becomes the peripheral bloodstream for a period of 36 to 104 hours. These cells reach their greatest activity during the period when they are in the bloodstream. These are the largest blood cells related to leukocytes. There are no granules in their cytoplasm, and they are considered the most active phagocytes (that is, they show the ability to absorb pathogenic microorganisms and protect a person from their influence). Monocytes actively protect the human body, fight infectious diseases, destroy blood clots, preventing thrombosis, and are also active against tumors of various etiologies.
What else do they consist offunctions of monocytes in the blood?
Different from leukocytes
The ability to capture and destroy very large foreign elements in an acidic environment distinguishes these elements from other leukocyte cells. These cells can be found not only in the blood, but also in the lymph nodes and tissues of the body. This is how the process of transformation of monocytes into histocytes occurs. When aggressive substances enter the mucosa of the nasopharynx or intestines, histocytes flock to the focus of infection or inflammation.
The main function of monocytes is to protect the body.
If this amount is not enough to destroy the aggressor, then the body synthesizes new macrophages in an accelerated mode. Pathogenic microorganisms are gradually surrounded by histocytes, which gradually dissolve unnecessary molecules. Then these cells “clean up” the space from the remnants of microorganisms and begin to transmit information to other histocytes, the next generation. This distribution of responsibilities provides good sure protection against viruses and bacteria. Unlike some other types of leukocytes, monocytic cells come into conflict with large invader cells. In addition, they remain valid and can be used repeatedly. In addition to cleansing the body of harmful elements, these leukocyte cells contribute to the restoration of tissues in case of damage by a foreign body, inflammation, and also during tumor processes. A decrease in monocytes indicates the occurrence of anemia (whichimportant when carrying a pregnancy), and an increased value indicates the development of an infectious process. The functions of monocytes are very important.
Norma
The quantitative content of these cells in the blood of an adult can range from 3% to 11%, in a child this figure ranges from 2% to 12% of the total number of leukocytes. In a normal situation, specialists pay attention to the relative number of monocytes, for which a general blood test is done. However, if any serious bone marrow dysfunction or other pathologies are suspected, the doctor may order an analysis to determine the absolute content of these cells.
What does that mean?
This technique involves the calculation of the number of monocytes relative to the absolute number of cells per liter of blood. The norm of the absolute content of these cells in an adult is from 0 to 0.08109 / l, and in children - from 0.05 - 1.1109 / l. Unsatisfactory results of such a study should alert your doctor and serve as a reason for further thorough examination. I must say that in the fair sex, the presence of a larger number of leukocyte cells than in men is the norm, especially during pregnancy. This indicator changes with age, in young children there may be slightly more monocytes than in an adult.
The functions of monocytes are of interest to many.
Why determine the number of monocytes?
These cells are importanta component of the leukocyte formula, according to the quantitative and qualitative composition of which doctors get an idea of the patient's he alth status as a whole. A change in the quantitative composition of monocytes in both directions indicates that some pathological process is developing in the body. This indicator deserves special attention during pregnancy in women, since during this period the immune system works exclusively to preserve the he alth of the embryo. The entry of foreign bacteria into the body of a pregnant woman is perceived as a threat, and all lymphocytes fight them mercilessly.
Cleansing the blood from parasites
It is not for nothing that monocytes are called “wipers” in the medical environment, as they cleanse the blood of parasites and microorganisms, destroy dead cells and help improve the functions of the circulatory system. Often, a change in the number of monocytes occurs against the background of stress, physical overwork, and taking certain medications. Therefore, before issuing a referral for analysis, the doctor interviews the patient and collects the necessary information, it is clear that the doctor needs to answer as truthfully as possible. We examined the structure and functions of monocytes.
Quantity reduction
If, according to the results of the analysis, the number of monocytes relative to the total number of leukocyte cells drops to 1% or less, doctors speak of a decrease in the number of monocytes or monocytopenia.
Such conditions are not so common in medical practice. Basicthe cause of the development of this pathology can be pregnancy and childbirth. The fact is that in the first three months of pregnancy in the blood of a woman there is a sharp decrease in the number of all formed blood cells, including monocytes, and childbirth depletes the body. In addition, a reduced amount of these elements is observed when the body is depleted. Particular attention should be paid to this indicator in children, since in this case failures occur in the work of all internal organs and systems. This situation is possible when taking chemotherapy drugs, the development of severe purulent processes and acute infectious diseases.
A reduced number of monocytes is a reason for examination in order to search for an infectious process in the body, as well as disorders in the immune or hematopoietic system. The situation when monocytes are not found in the blood at all is very dangerous. This may be a sign of severe leukemia (such an indicator indicates that the body has stopped producing monocytes) or sepsis (in the case when the amount of leukocyte cells produced is not enough to purify the patient's blood).
The functions and causes of the increase and decrease in monocytes should be known to everyone.
Increase in the number of monocytes
There are a lot of diseases that are characterized by an increase in the number of monocytes or monocytosis. Since their number increases when an infection or virus enters the body. Particular attention should be given to children in this regard, asduring the growth period, the child's immunity is weakened and the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms proceeds quite successfully. The main reasons for the increase in monocytes can be the presence of a serious infectious disease (sometimes it is in a chronic form), sepsis, blood diseases (acute leukocytosis, mononucleosis), parasites, tuberculosis, rheumatism.
Sometimes it's not dangerous
In some cases, an increased number of monocytes may not be dangerous. For example, in the case when there is a decrease in lymphocytes and eosinophils. This is possible with allergic reactions and at the initial stage of the development of childhood infections (whooping cough, scarlet fever, chicken pox and measles). Under these conditions, a significant part of other cells of the immune system dies in the body. This is the reason for the active production of phagocytes, in order to compensate, to replenish the protective functions. In such a situation, an increase in the content of monocytic cells can be considered by doctors as a sign of recovery. A few days after the onset of the disease, the number of monocytes begins to recover. These are the functions of monocytes.
What to do?
If, upon receipt of the analysis, a change in the quantitative composition of monocytes was detected, then it is urgent to consult a doctor for further examination. With the help of research, the doctor will determine the cause of such changes in the composition of the blood, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
We examined the functions of monocytes, the norm and the reasons for deviation from it.
