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Myelocytes in the blood
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Myelocytes are immature bone marrow cells that precede the formation of more mature blood cells such as neutrophils (one type of white blood cell) or other granulocytes. Myelocytes usually appear in the blood in response to infection, inflammation, or other conditions that may require increased production of white blood cells to fight infection or other pathologic processes.
The counting of myelocytes and other forms of immature blood cells can be used in laboratory diagnosis to evaluate the condition of the bone marrow and to detect abnormalities in its function. Myelocyte levels in the blood can be elevated in response to various factors such as infections, inflammation, hematologic diseases, or treatment with certain medications.
It is important to note that blood myelocyte levels should be evaluated along with other clinical findings and laboratory results to accurately determine the cause and subsequent treatment. Only a qualified medical professional can interpret the test results and provide appropriate treatment recommendations, if necessary.
The major functions of myelocytes include:
- Differentiation: Myelocytes are the precursors of mature blood cells such as neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), macrocytes and platelets. They differentiate into these mature blood cells during the process of hematopoiesis (blood formation).
- Involvement in immune defense: Neutrophils, which develop from myelocytes, are an important part of the body's immune system and play a key role in fighting infections and inflammation. Myelocytes are involved in the formation of neutrophils to maintain immune function.
- Regulation of the number of blood cells: The bone marrow regulates the formation and release of blood cells into the bloodstream according to the current needs of the body. Myelocytes represent a stage in this process and can quickly differentiate into mature blood cells when needed.
- Role in hemostasis: Some myelocytes may develop into megakaryocytes that precede the formation of platelets (platelets are cells that are involved in the blood clotting process and provide hemostasis).
- Blood Composition Regulation: Myelocytes help maintain a normal balance of blood cells and respond to changes in the body's environment, such as infections or injury, by regulating the production of appropriate cells.
In summary, myelocytes play an important role in maintaining normal blood composition and protecting the body from infection and inflammation.
Myelocytes, metamyelocytes, promyelocytes, bacillary myelocytes, segmented myelocytes, neutrophilic myelocytes, juvenile myelocytes, immature myelocytes, and eosinophilic myelocytes are the different stages of development of neutrophilic granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow. Neutrophil granulocytes are an important part of the body's immune system and play a role in fighting infections.
- Promyelocytes: These are the most immature stage of neutrophilic granulocytes. They have large incompletely formed nuclei and rich granular cytoplasm.
- Metamyelocytes: These are the next stage of neutrophil development. They have more mature but still incompletely formed nuclei and less granular cytoplasm than promyelocytes.
- Myelocytes: This is the more mature stage of neutrophils in which the nuclei become more segmented and the cytoplasm more granular.
- Paloconuclear myelocytes: This is the stage at which the neutrophil nuclei begin to divide into two parts but remain connected. The cytoplasm is rich in granules.
- Segmented myelocytes: At this stage, the neutrophil nuclei divide into segments or lobes and the cells become more mature.
- Neutrophil myelocytes: These are mature neutrophils with segmented nuclei. They are ready to enter the bloodstream and fight infections.
- Juvenile myelocytes: This is another name for neutrophilic myelocytes.
- Immature myelocytes: This term may be used to refer to neutrophilic myelocytes in early stages of development.
- Eosinophilic myelocytes: Eosinophilic granulocytes are another type of white blood cell, and eosinophilic myelocytes are their precursors in the early stages of development.
The different stages of neutrophil granulocytes reflect their maturity and readiness to perform functions in the immune system. When the normal hematopoietic system is disrupted, the number and composition of these cells in the blood can change, which can be associated with various diseases and conditions.
Myelocytes in children
In children, myelocytes may also be part of the normal hematopoiesis process. They play an important role in the body's defense against infections.
Myelocytes in the blood of children can usually be detected in small amounts and do not always indicate the presence of any pathological condition. However, if myelocyte levels are significantly elevated, it may be a sign of some disease or disorder of hematopoiesis that requires further examination and observation by a physician.
Elevated myelocyte counts in children's blood can be associated with a variety of conditions such as infections, inflammation, bone marrow disease, and other conditions. If your child is found to have elevated myelocyte levels, it is important to see a pediatrician or hematologist for a more detailed evaluation and diagnosis, if necessary.
Myelocytes in newborns
Newborns may have a small number of myelocytes in the blood, and this can be normal. Myelocytes are the precursors of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in fighting infections. In newborns, the bone marrow is still developing, and myelocytes may be present in the blood in small numbers.
However, if a newborn's myelocyte count is significantly elevated, it may be a sign of some pathologic condition or disorder in hematopoiesis. In this case, doctors may decide to perform additional testing to find out the cause of elevated myelocytes and determine the need for treatment.
If you have questions or concerns about your newborn's test results, it is important to discuss them with a pediatrician or hematologist who can provide more specific information and recommendations based on your baby's medical history and examination.
Myelocytes in pregnancy
During pregnancy, changes in the circulatory system may be normal and the levels of some cells in the blood, including neutrophils and their precursors, may change. This is due to the physiological changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy.
However, if you have an elevated myelocyte count in your blood during pregnancy, it may require additional medical testing to find out the cause and rule out possible diseases. Your doctor may order additional blood tests and perform further testing to clarify the diagnosis and decide if treatment is needed.
If you have questions or concerns about your blood test results during pregnancy, it is important to discuss them with your doctor, who will be able to provide you with more specific information and recommendations given your medical history and the circumstances of your pregnancy.
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Normal performance
The number of myelocytes in the blood can vary depending on various factors including age, gender, health, and others. Usually, myelocytes are present in the blood in small amounts and their counts may be within the normal range. However, normal values may vary depending on the laboratory and the testing methods used.
If you have specific test results and need to interpret the myelocyte count in your blood, it is best to see a physician or hematologist who can evaluate your results in the context of your health and clinical situation. The doctor will be able to provide accurate information as to whether your myelocyte count is normal or if there are any abnormalities that require further investigation and intervention.
Raising and lowering of values
An elevated number of myelocytes in the blood can be an indicator of various diseases and conditions. Myelocytes are immature bone marrow cells that are not normally present in the blood in significant numbers. Possible causes of elevated myelocytes in the blood include:
- Myeloproliferative diseases: These diseases include chronic myeloleukemia (CML), true polycythemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and others.
- Inflammatory processes: An elevated myelocyte count may be the body's response to infection or inflammation.
- Red blood cell destruction: If there is increased destruction of red blood cells, the bone marrow may increase production of myelocytes to compensate for the loss of red cells.
- Other blood and bone marrow disorders: Certain other blood, bone marrow, or blood formation disorders may cause elevated myelocyte counts.
To determine the exact cause of your elevated myelocytes, you will need further testing and consultation with a hematologist. The hematologist will perform additional tests and investigations to find out the underlying cause of this condition and determine a treatment plan, if necessary.
A decreased number of myelocytes in the blood can be an indicator of various conditions and diseases related to the bone marrow and blood formation. Below are some of the possible causes of decreased myelocytes:
- Aplastic anemia: This is a rare disease in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells, including myelocytes.
- Leukemia: Acute or chronic leukemia can lead to impaired blood formation, including myelocyte counts.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: Cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy can suppress the formation of new blood cells, including myelocytes.
- Aplastic syndrome: This is a disorder of the bone marrow in which it does not produce enough blood cells.
- Poisoning or medications: Some chemicals or medications can affect the bone marrow and cause a decrease in myelocyte formation.
- Bone marrow hypoplasia: This is a condition in which the bone marrow is less active and produces fewer blood cells.
If you are found to have a low myelocyte count in your blood, it is important to consult your doctor, especially a hematologist. Additional tests and examinations may be needed to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan, if necessary.
An increased number of myelocytes in the bone marrow can be associated with various conditions and diseases that affect the process of blood formation in the bone marrow. These may include the following causes:
- Response to infection: Infectious diseases or inflammatory processes can lead to an increase in the number of myelocytes in the bone marrow, as they may be activated in response to infection.
- Myeloproliferative diseases: Myeloproliferative diseases include diseases in which there is an overproduction of hematopoietic cells, including myelocytes. Examples include chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera, and others.
- Response to therapy: Elevated myelocytes may be seen as a response to treatment such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy in the treatment of neutropenia.
- Certain hereditary or genetic conditions: Certain genetic mutations or disorders can lead to increased production of myelocytes in the bone marrow.