#thrombocytes

BUFFY COAT

(makes up less than 1% of blood)

1) Leukocytes (white blood cells) there are 5k-10k wbc in blood

-> 5 types. Listed in order of most abundant to least

i. Neutrophils

-> first on the scene and first to die. Dead neutrophils are the pus we see in wounds. They fight infections, respond to damage, viruses, bacteria. They neutralize and clean up.

ii. Lymphocytes

-> these are the B cells and T cells. The T cells include Helper T cells which activate other cells like the Cytotoxic T cells and B cells when there's an infection, Cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells) that kill infections, and regulatory T cells that reduce T cell activity to make sure the T cells don't go overboard and start attacking healthy cells. B cells include B cells that create antibodies to fight infection. The two main types are B cells that turn to plasma and create antibodies, and B memory cells that remember infections and can trigger a faster immune response to the same infection in the future.

iii. Monocytes

-> they're inactive and float in the blood vessels. When an infection occurs they move into tissues and turn to macrophages. These are wbc that are "big eaters", they eat the pathogens. They can also turn into dendrites which alert other cells to of an infection that needs fighting. They essentially call for backup.

iv. Eosinophils

-> help fight of infections caused by parasites and allergic reactions

v. Basophils

-> deal with allergens and fight parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Prevent blood clots that may slow healing. They attack any organism they find unfamiliar and have no way of recognizing pathogens they have already been exposed to. Like macrophages, they eat the pathogens.

2) Thrombocytes (platelets) there are 200k - 400k in blood

The ESPGI serves as a platform for professionals to explore, understand, and discuss various facets of thrombocytes and granulocytes. The ESPGI symposium not only offers attendees the chance to hear from eminent speakers but also to dive into the latest research through abstracts and posters. As always, the ESPGI provides an ideal setting to network, share opinions, and indulge in delightful cuisine. As in 2018, the Symposium will be held at De Reehorst, a hotel and conference centre in Ede. Ede is located in the centre of the Netherlands, which is conveniently accessible by car and train, including direct connections from Schiphol Airport.

Thrombocytes, or platelets, are one of the fundamental parameters measured during morphology. They are denoted in the study by the abbreviation PLT. Thrombocytes are blood-forming elements. Their function in the body is critical; they participate in blood coagulation processes. The bone marrow is where thrombocytes are made. Once a year, it is important to assess their level as part of their…

US Researchers Discovered New Role For Lungs

Just when we think we know everything about our body and functions of its organs, scientists appear with their new stunning discovery. This time we are talking about lungs. We know that we can’t breathe without them, but who would have thought that lungs help in blood production? Well, this is exactly what American researchers have discovered. Our lungs have a much more complex role than we thought. And definitely, our bodies still keep many secrets.

For years we thought that the only lung role is to facilitate respiration. Image credit: : MedicineNet, Inc.

Sophisticated view of the lungs

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco have studied living mice lungs with a use of video microscopy. More precisely, they used an imaging technique called two-photon intravital imaging. In the cells were inserted green fluorescent protein (GFP), which allowed them to see how individual cells within the tiny blood vessels of a living mouse lung were behaving. This method revealed them unexpected things that occurred during the tracking time.

They noticed large production of the thrombocytes inside the lung tissue. Thrombocytes are blood components required for the clotting. Scientists previously thought that these cells reside in bone marrow. It turns out that more than a half thrombocytes are produced in the lungs. One of the researchers, Mark R. Looney said that this newly revealed functions definitely suggests a more sophisticated view of the lungs. They’re not just for respiration, but also a key partner in the formation of crucial aspects of the blood.

UC San Francisco scientists published video in which they showed the process of releasing thrombocytes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRE9X5XGoxA

Beside large production of thrombocytes, researchers have noticed a large amount of megakaryocyte progenitor cells that reside just outside the lung tissue. These cells were considered as hidden blood stem cells, which function is to give rise to red blood cells. This suddenly revealed functions, scientists explain that lungs indeed can be an ideal bioreactor due to mechanical force of the blood. They also not excluding the possibility of the existence of some molecular signaling that we don’t yet know about.

The researchers will now focus on the search for practical use of these functions. It is expected that these new findings have a major impact on diseases such as thrombocytopenia. Also, it can play a significant role for lungs transplantation.