Leukocytes and Chemotherapy Effects

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of T cells in the immune response?

Direct cell attack on infected cells (correct)

Formation of blood clots

Production of antibodies

Phagocytosis of pathogens

During chemotherapy, which normal cell type is notably affected due to its rapid growth?

Platelets

Erythrocytes

Neurons

Leukocytes (correct)

Which component of red blood cells is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Nucleus

Hemoglobin (correct)

White blood cells

Platelets

What characteristic feature allows red blood cells to navigate through capillaries?

Their biconcave shape Signup and view all the answers

In the leukocyte population, which type is primarily responsible for developing into macrophages within tissues?

Monocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of albumin in the plasma?

Maintain osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is primarily responsible for phagocytizing bacteria?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the life span of eosinophils in the human body?

8-12 days Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma protein is directly involved in the blood clotting process?

Fibrinogen Signup and view all the answers

What are prothrombin and fibrinogen collectively known as when discussing their role in hemostasis?

Clotting factors Signup and view all the answers

Which granulocyte releases mediators of inflammation such as histamine?

Basophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the development period for neutrophils before they enter the bloodstream?

6-9 days Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total white blood cells do eosinophils typically constitute?

1%-4% Signup and view all the answers

How many alpha and beta chains are present in a single hemoglobin molecule?

Two alpha and two beta Signup and view all the answers

Which component of hemoglobin binds oxygen?

Heme groups Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide in the blood is bound to the globin moiety of hemoglobin?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of a red blood cell in the human body?

120 days Signup and view all the answers

Which blood cell counts are typical for females?

4.2-5.2 million cells/mm3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of formation of red blood cells?

Erythropoiesis Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the hemoglobin molecule is crucial for binding oxygen?

Ferrous ion (Fe2+) Signup and view all the answers

Which blood type has both antigen A and antigen B present on the surface of red blood cells?

Type AB Signup and view all the answers

What is the inheritance pattern for the Rh factor in blood types?

Rh positive is dominant over Rh negative Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood has both antibody A and antibody B present in the plasma?

Type O Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario can Rh incompatibility lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)?

When an Rh- mother carries an Rh+ fetus Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible genotypes for an individual with Type A blood?

AA or AO Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leukocytes

Lymphocytes
- 20%-45% of white blood cell count
- T cells and B cells
- Development: Days to weeks
- Life Span: Hours to years
- Function: Mount immune response by direct cell attack (T cells) or antibodies (B cells)
Monocytes
- 4%-8% of white blood cell count
- Development: 2-3 days
- Life Span: Months
- Function:
  - Phagocytosis
  - Develop into macrophages in tissues

Leukopenia During Chemotherapy

Cancerous cells grow faster than normal cells
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells by interrupting mitotic cell division
Chemotherapy also kills a few normal fast-growing cells, including:
- Leukocytes
- Hair
- Intestinal epithelial cells

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells, RBCs)

Average: 5 million/mm3
Appearance: Biconcave disc shape, suited for gas exchange. The shape is flexible so that RBCs can pass through capillaries.
Structure:
- Primarily made up of hemoglobin (protein that binds oxygen and carbon dioxide)
- Lack a nucleus and mitochondria

Hemoglobin

Consists of four protein chains (globins) and four heme groups
Heme groups: Nonprotein moiety that binds O2 to ferrous ion (Fe2+) at its center
Globins: Four protein chains - two alpha and two beta chains

Plasma Proteins

Site of formation: Liver
- Albumin: 3.5-5.0 gm/dL, 50% in the liver and 50% in white blood cells
- Globulins: 2.5 gm/dL
- Fibrinogen 0.4 gm/dL
- Prothrombin: 0.01 gm/dL

Specific Functions of Plasma Proteins

Albumin:
- Maintains osmotic pressure
- Transports smaller molecules (hormones, ions)
Globulins:
- Alpha and Beta globulins transport hormones and fat-soluble vitamins
- Gamma globulins (antibodies) bind to foreign substances
Fibrinogen: Converted to fibrin network that forms blood clots
Prothrombin: Blood clotting

Plasma vs Serum

Plasma: Blood fluid containing clotting factors
Serum: Plasma lacking some clotting factors

Leukocytes (White Cells)

Two major categories:
- Granulocytes: Contain specialized membrane-bound cytoplasmic granules (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils)
- Agranulocytes: Lack obvious granules (lymphocytes and monocytes)

Neutrophils

40%-70% WBCs
Development: 6-9 days
Life Span: 6 hours to a few days
Function: Phagocytize bacteria

Eosinophils

1%-4% WBCs
Development: 6-9 days
Life Span: 8-12 days
Function: Kill parasitic worms

Basophils

0.5% WBCs
Development: 3-7 days
Life Span: A few hours to a few days
Function: Release histamine and other mediators of inflammation

Functions of RBCs

Carry hemoglobin
Transport oxygen
Transport carbon dioxide
Buffer (pH regulation)

RBC Counts

Males: 4.8-5.8 million cells/mm3
Females: 4.2-5.2 million cells/mm3

RBC Life Span

120 days

Erythropoiesis

The process of RBC formation

ABO Blood Group System

The ABO blood group system categorizes human blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (A and B) on red blood cells.
There are four main blood types:
- Type A: Contains antigen A and antibody B in the plasma.
- Type B: Contains antigen B and antibody A in the plasma.
- Type AB: Contains both antigen A and antigen B, but no antibodies against A or B.
- Type O: Contains neither antigen A nor antigen B, but has both antibody A and antibody B in the plasma.
Blood type inheritance is determined by two alleles (A and B) and a recessive allele (O):
- AA or AO: Type A
- BB or BO: Type B
- AB: Type AB
- OO: Type O
Matching ABO blood types during blood transfusions is crucial to prevent potentially fatal hemolytic reactions.
In pregnancy, ABO incompatibility between mother and fetus can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Rh Factor

The Rh factor is a protein (D antigen) that can be present on the surface of red blood cells.
Individuals with the D antigen are Rh positive (Rh+), while those without it are Rh negative (Rh-).
Rh factor inheritance is independent of the ABO system with Rh positivity being dominant over Rh negativity.
Matching Rh types during transfusions is essential to avoid complications. Rh- individuals who receive Rh+ blood can develop antibodies, posing risks for future transfusions.
In pregnancies where an Rh- mother carries an Rh+ fetus, Rh incompatibility can occur, leading to HDN.
Administration of Rh immunoglobulin (Rho(D) immune globulin) to Rh- mothers prevents the development of antibodies.

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Description

Explore the roles and functions of leukocytes, including lymphocytes and monocytes. Understand how chemotherapy impacts these vital components of the immune system, particularly in relation to cancer treatment. This quiz will enhance your grasp of hematology and its clinical significance.