This is reticulocyte. Let us tell you more about it.
Definition
A reticulocyte is an immature red blood cell (erythrocyte) found in the bloodstream. It is formed in the bone marrow in response to an increased demand for red blood cell production, such as during anemia or blood loss. Reticulocytes can be distinguished from mature erythrocytes by the presence of remnants of RNA, known as reticulum, which appear as granules or filaments in the cell's cytoplasm.
Reticulocyte role
Reticulocytes gradually shed their reticulum during maturation and take on a biconcave shape. After losing all their nuclei, they become fully mature erythrocytes, capable of transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Why do we look for reticulocytes?
Reticulocytes are specifically looked for and evaluated in medical settings for several reasons:
- Assessment of bone marrow function: Reticulocyte count provides valuable information about the activity and functionality of the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells. If the bone marrow functions correctly, it should respond to increased red blood cell production demands by releasing more reticulocytes into the bloodstream.
- Diagnosis and classification of anemia: Reticulocyte count helps diagnose different types of anemia and determine their underlying causes. Anemia is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. By assessing the reticulocyte count, healthcare providers can determine if the anemia is due to decreased production or increased destruction of red blood cells.
- In cases of iron deficiency anemia or vitamin B12/folate deficiency, the bone marrow response is typically reduced, leading to a low reticulocyte count.
- Hemolytic anemias, where there is increased destruction of red blood cells, often triggers an increased production of reticulocytes as the bone marrow tries to compensate for the loss. A high reticulocyte count can indicate ongoing red blood cell production in these cases.
- Monitoring response to therapy: Reticulocyte count can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for anemia. For example, in individuals receiving therapy for iron deficiency or hemolytic anemia, an increase in reticulocyte count over time suggests that the treatment stimulates red blood cell production and improves the condition.
In summary, assessing reticulocyte count helps healthcare professionals evaluate bone marrow function, diagnose various types of anemia, determine the underlying causes, and monitor the response to treatment.
See you next month for another Quiz 🎲!