LYMPHOCYTES
LYMPHOCYTES are small mononuclear cells without specific granules:
They are motile and migrate to areas of inflammation. These cells contain immunoglobulins and play a role in immunological reactions.
B-lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow and T-lymphocytes mature in the thymus.
B-cells maintain an antigen-antibody response to a specific antigen and have memory.
T-cells are coined the “master immune cells” and consist of CD4+ helper T cells, killer
cells, cytotoxic cells, and CD8+ suppressor cells.
Plasma cells, which are, fully differentiated B cells are not normally found in the plasma.
ABSOLUTE COUNT 1,500-4000 cells/mm3
DIFFERENTIAL 25-40% OF THE TOTAL WBC's
Lymphocytes (Lymphocytosis >4,000cell/mm3) are increased in:
1. Lymphatic leukemia
2. Infectious lymphocytosis
3. Infectious mononucleosis
4. Upper respiratory viral infections
5. Cytomegalovirus
6. Measles
7. Mumps,
8. Chicken pox
9. HIV
10. Infectious hepatitis
11. Some bacterial diseases TB, pertussis
12. Crohn's disease (ulcerative colitis)
13. Hypoadrenalism
14. Thyrotoxicosis
Lymphocytes (leukocytopenia <1000 cells/mm3) are decreased in:
1. Chemotherapy
2. Aplastic anemia
3. Congestive heart failure
4. ACTH or cortisone
5. Hodgkin's disease
6. HIV
7. Severe debilitating illnesses
8. Advanced TB
9. Toxic conditions
10. Allergic reactions