In the article, we will consider what the absolute content of monocytes is.
These cells are able to actively move, freely passing through the capillary walls. There they catch harmful foreign particles and are immediately neutralized, thus protecting human he alth.
Basic concepts
Monocytes are very active cells. They are not only in the blood, but also in the liver, within the lymph nodes, in addition, in the spleen. They are formed directly in the bone marrow. They enter the bloodstream immature. Such monocytes are capable of phagocytosis, that is, they absorb foreign particles.
These elements are in the blood for several days, then migrating to the nearby tissue, where they mature along with the transformation into histiocytes. How intensively they can be produced in the body directly depends on the level of glucocorticoids (these are such hormones). We will tell about the absolute content of monocytesbelow.
Functions
Monocytes are designed by nature to perform the following functions:
- Destroy pathogenic and alien microorganisms. They are able to absorb them not only in a fragmentary way, but also in their entirety. The size and number of such objects exceed several times the volumes that are feasible for other groups of leukocytes, for example, neutrophils.
- Provides a surface for T-lymphocytes to act as helpers that can enhance the immune response to pathogenic elements.
- Synthesis and release of cytokines, which are small peptide information molecules.
- Removal of dead cells and complexes.
- Creating favorable conditions for tissue repair after damage, inflammation or neoplasm lesions.
- Providing a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.
Monocytes can do what other white blood cells can't: they can engulf microorganisms even in an overly acidic environment. Without these blood elements, leukocytes cannot fully protect the human body from viruses. Therefore, it is important that their number corresponds to the required volume.
Norma
What is the absolute content of monocytes in the norm?
The concentration of these cells is determined through a blood test. Since they are a type of leukocytes, the measurement is made as a percentage. In this case, the proportion of monocytes in the total number of blood white bodies is determined. Normdoes not depend on gender and practically does not change with age. In the blood of an adult whose body is in perfect order, the proportion of these cells should be from three to eleven percent.
There are methods by which monocytes are determined in quantity per liter of blood. In absolute units, the norms are: (0.09–0.70) x 109 per liter. The fluctuation of the considered cells within the established limit is influenced by biorhythms along with food intake, the phase of the menstrual cycle among women, and so on.
Absolute monocyte count is normal in children
After birth, there are more monocyte crumbs in the blood than in adults. And this is quite natural, since during this period children are especially in dire need of protection from all sorts of pathogenic factors, gradually adapting to the world around them. Their norm is:
| Age | Percentage of monocytes |
| In newborns | From 3 to 12 |
| Age two weeks | From 5 to 15 |
| Up to a year | From 4 to 10 |
| One to two years | From 3 to 10 |
| From two to sixteen | 3 to 9 |
Absolute monocyte count may vary depending on how the leukocyte count varies. Andfor both sexes, these transformations are the same.
The norm in absolute unit is:
| Age | Monocytes |
| First week | 0, 19-2, 40 |
| Up to a year | 0, 18-1, 85 |
| Up to three years | 0, 15-1, 75 |
| Three to seven | 0, 12-1, 50 |
| From seven to ten | 0, 10-1, 25 |
| Ten to sixteen | 0, 09-1, 15 |
After reaching the age of sixteen, monocytes in adolescents are exactly the same as in adults. When the data level is within normal limits, this indicates timely absorption, and, in addition, the removal of dead cells, as well as the absence of pathogenic parasites. In addition, blood circulation is smooth and he althy.
What causes an elevated absolute monocyte count?
Deviation
When monocytes or their absolute number exceeds normal limits, then monocytosis is fixed in a person. It can be of the following character:
- Be relative. When the percentage of considered cells is above eleven percent.
- Absolute. Then the number of cellular elements exceeds 0.70 x 109 per liter.
Reasonsdeviations
Possible causes of an increase in the absolute content of monocytes in the blood are the following factors:
- The presence of serious infectious diseases in the form of pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, subacute endocarditis or sepsis.
- Pathologies of the digestive system like ulcerative colitis or enteritis.
- Development of fungal and viral diseases.
- Systemic pathologies of the connective tissue, we are talking about classic nodular polyatreriitis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some types of leukemia, especially acute monocytic.
- Malignant abnormalities of the lymphatic system when lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis is detected.
- Intoxication with phosphorus or tetrachloroethane.
Monocytes: low level
The decrease in these cells in relation to the norm in medicine is called monocytopenia, which usually accompanies such diseases:
- Aplastic and folate deficiency anemia. It is worth noting that these are the most common causes.
- Acute infection in which there is a decrease in the number of neutrophils.
- Long-term treatment with glucocorticosteroids along with pancytopenia.
- Hairy cell leukemia, which is an independent disease.
- Presence of radiation sickness.
No monocytes in blood
If they are not observed, then this is an extremely dangerous sign, which indicates that severe leukemia can occur in the human body along with sepsis, as well assevere exhaustion. According to medical statistics, the deviation of monocytes from the norm is directly related to parasites that have managed to take root in the body.
