What is the mechanism by which number of circulating white blood cells increased?
Leukocytosis
Leukocytosis, or an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, occurs when the body produces and releases more WBCs than normal. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including:
* Infection: Infection is the most common cause of leukocytosis. When the body is fighting an infection, it produces more WBCs to help combat the invading microorganisms.
* Inflammation: Inflammation is another common cause of leukocytosis. When tissues are damaged or inflamed, they release chemicals that can trigger the production of WBCs.
* Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as leukemia, can cause leukocytosis. Cancer cells can crowd out the normal cells in the bone marrow, where WBCs are produced. This can lead to a decrease in the number of healthy WBCs and an increase in the number of cancer cells in the blood.
* Other medical conditions: A variety of other medical conditions can cause leukocytosis, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain medications.
Mechanisms of Leukocytosis
The body can increase the number of circulating WBCs by several mechanisms:
* Increased production of WBCs by the bone marrow: This is the primary mechanism by which leukocytosis occurs. When the body is fighting an infection or other condition that requires more WBCs, the bone marrow produces more cells to meet the demand.
* Release of WBCs from the spleen: The spleen is a reservoir for WBCs. When the body needs more WBCs, the spleen can contract and release stored cells into the circulation.
* Margination of WBCs: Margination is the process by which WBCs move to the periphery of small blood vessels. This can occur in response to inflammation or other stimuli that cause the blood vessels to dilate. Margination allows WBCs to more easily extravasate (leave the blood vessels) and enter the tissues where they are needed.
Types of Leukocytosis
There are two main types of leukocytosis:
* Neutrophilia: Neutrophilia is an increase in the number of neutrophils, which are a type of WBC that is involved in the body's inflammatory response. Neutrophilia is the most common type of leukocytosis.
* Lymphocytosis: Lymphocytosis is an increase in the number of lymphocytes, which are a type of WBC that is involved in the body's immune response. Lymphocytosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer.
Treatment of Leukocytosis
The treatment of leukocytosis depends on the underlying cause. If the leukocytosis is caused by an infection, the infection will need to be treated. If the leukocytosis is caused by inflammation, the inflammation will need to be treated. If the leukocytosis is caused by cancer, the cancer will need to be treated.
In some cases, leukocytosis can be a serious medical condition. If you have a high WBC count, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.