LEUKOCYTES: A VISUAL TOUR Laboratory Procedures

THERE ARE 5 WHITE BLOOD CELLS Segmented Neutrophil Lymphocyte Monocyte Eosinophil Basophil

LET’S BREAK THEM DOWN! Granulocytes Agranulocytes Segmented Neutrophil Eosinophil Basophil Agranulocytes Lymphocyte Monocyte

THE AGRANULOCYTES (NO GRANULES IN CYTOPLASM) The Monocyte The Lymphocyte If there appear to be granules in a Monocyte’s cytoplasm, it is probably debris from it’s last meal! Look for vacuoles (Stomachs) to tell if it is a Monocyte.

THE GRANULOCYTES (HAVE GRANULES IN CYTOPLASM) Segmented Neutrophils (there are 3 types) Basophils Eosinophils On Basophils, the granules will stain BLUE On Eosinophils, the granules will stain RED Segmented Neutrophils granules are clear and not readily visible when stained.

SEGMENTED NEUTROPHIL (THE ADULT) MOST common in the blood. Primary WBC found in pus. First responder to acute inflammation either from trauma or bacterial infection and can reach the sight of inflammation within minutes! Only lives ~5 days

BAND CELL (THE “BABY” NEUTROPHIL) Sometimes called Stab cell. Immature neutrophil and indicates that there is a high demand for Neutrophils during an inflammatory response.

HYPER-SEGMENTED NEUTROPHIL (THE SENIOR CITIZEN) 5+ lobes. Has been in circulation and is usually an indicator of iron deficiency anemia.

LYMPHOCYTE (THE GUARD DOG) LARGE NUCLEUS Second most common in blood. Are responsible for defending against tumors, bacteria. viruses, and other foreign invaders. Three types: T-cells (LONG LIVED = YEARS), B-cells (SHORT LIVED = MONTHS at longest) and NK cells. They differentiate which of these three is needed for the particular invader and some develop a “memory” to the invader so that it can be more easily fought if it shows up again.

MONOCYTE (THE SCAVENGER) HAS VACUOLES Third most common in blood. Kidney shaped or notched nucleus and characteristic vacuoles that are used to phagocytize foreign debris/invaders. When needed, migrate through bloodstream ~24hours to tissue and sight of infection. Phagocytize primarily in tissue, but can be mildly phagocytic in bloodstream. If they leave the bloodstream, they are called MACROPHAGES. Will only live a few days in circulation before travelling to the tissues and becoming a macrophage. Immediately die after phagocytizing.

EOSINOPHIL (THE ALLERGY SLAYER) GRANULES STAIN RED 4th most common in blood. Primary function is defense against parasites and allergies. Cells are attracted to histamines and other substances that are released during basophilic degranulation. Histamines and other substances are toxic not only to the invader, but also the host! What can shut this process off??? Antihistamines!!! The eosinophil is a histamine neutralizer. Life-span = 8-12 hours in circulation or 8-12 days in the tissue if not required to respond to invader.

BASOPHIL (THE UNKNOWN STRANGER) GRANULES STAIN BLUE Least common in the blood. They too can migrate to the tissue from the bloodstream when needed. Job is not well defined, however granules have been identified as containing histamine and heparin that is used to attract eosinophils to help with response to allergies or other invaders. Live just a few days.

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