One of the important indicators, determined in the analysis of blood, is the level of monocytes in the blood. Monocytes are a kind of leukocytes. These are the largest and active blood cells that produce red bone marrow. Together with the blood flow, immature monocytes enter the tissues of the body and degenerate into macrophages. The main function of these elements of blood is the destruction and absorption of pathogenic microorganisms that have penetrated the body, and the elimination of the remains of dead cells. In connection with the fact that monocytes do such a responsible job, they are called "janitors of the body." It is monocytes that become an obstacle to the formation of thrombi and cancer cells. In addition, monocytes are involved in the process of hematopoiesis.
The norm of monocytes in the blood
In order to know whether or not the blood values found in the analysis (including the level of monocytes) correspond to the norm, it is necessary to have an idea of the norm of monocytes in absolute indices.
The norm of monocytes in the blood is from 3% to 11% of the total number of leukocytes or about 400 cells per 1 ml of peripheral blood (ie, blood circulating outside the hematopoietic organs). The norm of monocytes in the blood in women may be less than the lower limit and account for 1% of the number of leukocytes.
Also the level of white cells varies with age:
- the monocyte content in the blood of a newborn infant varies from 3% to 12%;
- at the age of two weeks the level can reach 15%;
- a one-year-old baby is considered to be 4-10%.
In adulthood, the normal number of monocytes in the blood rarely exceeds 8%.
Change in the level of monocytes in the blood
Increase in monocytes
To increase the level of monocytes in a child, even by 10%, specialists tend to be calm, since such a change accompanies the natural physiological processes associated with childhood, for example, teething. Exceeding the same amount of monocytes in comparison with the norm with a general blood test in an adult indicates a failure in the functioning of the circulatory system, as well as the development of an infectious disease, such as:
- tuberculosis;
- syphilis;
- enteritis;
- brucellosis ;
- lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- mycosis, etc.
Deviations in the monocyte content can signal the development of malignant formation in the body. Often an increase in the number of white cells is observed in the postoperative period. In women, the cause of this shift is most often gynecological operations.
Reduction of monocytes
A decrease in the level of monocytes is a phenomenon more rare than an increase in this indicator. It does not necessarily indicate the development of the disease. For example, many women have lowered monocytes during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. It is at this time as a result of exhaustion of the body may manifest anemia.
Other common causes of a decrease in monocyte content in the blood:
- Some infectious diseases, in the first place, typhoid fever ;
- hereditary anemia;
- reception of corticosteroids and cytostatics;
- diseases associated with damage to brain cells.
Lowering the level of monocytes is often observed in the post-operation period during organ transplantation. But in this case it is caused artificially by suppressing the immunity with drugs in order to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted tissues and organs.
In any case, a change in the monocyte content in the blood is a reason for undergoing a medical examination in order to identify the cause and, if necessary, conduct appropriate therapy.