The process of formation of red blood cells, from the stem to the mature cell, includes many intermediate stages. One of them is reticulocytes - the immediate precursors of full-fledged red blood cells. The difference between them lies only in the presence of specific granular intracellular structures in the former and the absence of a biconcave shape characteristic of the latter.
The time it takes for a reticulocyte to finally turn into an erythrocyte is approximately 1-2 days. This transformation is stimulated by erythropoietin, a special hematopoietic activator produced in the kidneys. Maturation itself takes place in the red bone marrow.
Normally, the relative content of reticulocytes is 0.2-1.2% of all RBCs. A decrease in this indicator - reticulocytopenia - is observed when:
Aplastic, hypochromic, megaloblastic, sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia;
Deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid;
Inhibition of the erythrocyte germ of hematopoiesis against the background of radiation damage, treatment with cytostatics, chemotherapy;
Metastatic bone marrow disease;
Renal pathology and erythropoietin insufficiency;
Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease (frequent, false urge to defecate, blood in the stool, loose stools);
Alcohol intoxication.
In clinical practice, reticulocytosis is of great importance - an increase in circulating RTC over 1.2%. This condition plays a positive role in assessing the therapeutic effect of correcting anemia. An increase in the indicator should be noted about a week after the successful start of treatment. Also, a reticulocytic rise develops 3-4 days after the bleeding has taken place and indicates the normal regenerative abilities of the body.
Pathological implications of reticulocytosis:
Continuing chronic bleeding with ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers;
Osteomyelitis with involvement of the hematopoietic tissue in the inflammatory process;
With an exacerbation of autoimmune processes, severe damage to cells by viruses, with injuries, it rises to 40;
Acute bacterial infections, myocardial infarction are accompanied by a level of 100;
Metastases;
Malignant renal tumors with erythropoietin hypersecretion;
Atypical transformation of stem cells.
A large number of reticulocytes leads to a sharp increase in RBC with subsequent thickening of the blood, difficulty in its passage through the capillaries, hypoxia and an increased risk of thrombus formation.
Modern analyzers automatically notify about the reticulocytes found and their percentage. Regular examination in clinics with high-tech laboratory equipment will allow timely detection of pathological changes in the CBC, and an experienced hematologist will be able to prescribe the necessary therapy or draw up a plan for further additional examination or observation.
