LYMPHOCYTE CELLS

Lymphocytes Lymphocytes are small, mononuclear cells without specific granules. These agranulocytes are motile cells that migrate to areas of inflammation in both early and late stages of the process. These cells are the source of serum immunoglobulins and of cellular immune response and play an important role in immunologic reactions. All lymphocytes are manufactured in the bone marrow. Lymphocyte are divided into two categories: 1- B lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow, B cells control the antigen-antibody response that is specific to the offending antigen and is said to have “memory.” 2- T lymphocytes mature in the thymus gland. The T cells, the master immune cells, include CD4⁺ helper T cells, killer cells, cytotoxic cells, and CD8⁺ suppressor T cells. Plasma cells (also called plasma B cells) are differentiated B-lymphocyte white blood cells capable of secreting immunoglobulin, or antibody. Normal Values: 1500–4000 cells/mm 3. Lymphocytes: 25%–40% of total leukocyte count. What Does It Mean When Your lymphocytes Are High? Lymphocytosis: more than 4000/mm 3 1- Infectious mononucleosis Caused by Epstein-Barr virus. 2- Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (pneumonia) . 3- Cytomegalovirus . 4- Measles, mumps, chickenpox Acute HIV infection. 5- Infectious hepatitis (acute viral hepatitis). 6- Toxoplasmosis. 7- Bacterial diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and pertussis. 8- Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis (rare). 9- Hypoadrenalism, Addison’s disease. What Does It Mean When Your lymphocytes Are low? Lymphopenia or lymphocytopenia: less than 1000 cells/mm occurs in: 1- acute tuberculosis. 2- AIDS. 3- Aplastic anemia. 4- Congestive heart failure. 5- Lymphosarcoma. 6- Myasthenia gravis. 7- Renal failure. 8- Stress. 9- SLE.

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