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Neutrophils (Human Anatomy): Image, Functions, Diseases and Treatments

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2023

Neutrophils

Neutrophils, often referred to as neutrocytes or heterophils, are the most common form of granulocyte and account for forty percent to seventy percent of all white blood cells found in humans.

The staining features of neutrophils on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histological or cytological preparations are where the name neutrophil comes from. In contrast to basophilic white blood cells, which stain in a dark blue, and eosinophilic white blood cells, which stain in a bright red, neutrophil white blood cells stain in a neutral pink. Neutrophils often have a nucleus that is partitioned into two to five lobes.

The most common type of cell found in human blood is called neutrophils, which are often referred to as polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Large quantities of them, on the order of 1011 cells each day, are generated in the bone marrow. In an average day, neutrophils will enter the circulation, migrate to the tissues, where they will carry out their functions, and then finally be eliminated by macrophages. This entire process takes place under conditions that are homeostatic.

Neutrophils Functions

  • They are an important component of the innate immune system and perform a variety of activities, which shift depending on the species of animal.
  • Since neutrophils are the most prevalent form of white blood cell found in the human body, they serve as the body's first line of defense in the battle against infections and the healing of wounds.
  • Neutrophils are white blood cells which increase in quantity in the bloodstream to assist the body in fighting diseases and recover from injury or disease.
  • If a person has an infection that has been going on for a long time, cancer, an autoimmune illness, or is on certain medications, their neutrophil count may go down.
  • The bloodstream is the typical location for the phagocytes known as neutrophils, which fall under the category of neutrophils. During the early (acute) phase of inflammatory regions, neutrophils are among the first proinflammatory cytokines to migrate to the site of inflammation, notably as a consequence of a bacterial illness, environmental exposure, and some malignancies. During the advanced disease of inflammation, neutrophils are among the first immune cytokines to move to the site of inflammation.

Neutrophils Conditions and Disorders

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  • Neutropenia: When there are too few neutrophils in the blood, a condition known as neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) can develop. Although all white blood cells contribute to the body's ability to fight infections, neutrophils play a particularly significant role in the battle against specific illnesses, particularly bacterial infections. It is highly unlikely that you will be aware that you have neutropenia.
  • Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: The Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a hereditary illness that impacts numerous organs and tissues of the body, most notably the bone marrow, the pancreas, and the bones. The production of new blood cells, including neutrophils, is one of the primary roles of bone marrow.
  • Cyclic neutropenia: Cyclic neutropenia is a rare blood condition marked by abrupt onset of abnormally low quantities of certain white blood cells (nk cells) in the body. This is also referred to as 'cyclic neutrophil syndrome.'
  • The Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: Chediak-Higashi syndrome is characterised by oculocutaneous albinism, an immunological weakness, and bruising and bleeding easily. Males are more affected by Chediak-Higashi syndrome.
  • Chronic Granulomatous Disease (also known as CGD): Chronic granulomatous disease, also known as CGD, is an inherited condition in which the white blood cells in the body known as phagocytes are unable to eliminate specific species of bacteria and fungi. People who have CGD have a far higher risk of contracting bacterial and fungal infections, which can occasionally be fatal.
  • Drug-Induced Neutropenia: Drugs can either reduce the generation of neutrophils or enhance their destruction, both of which can lead to drug-induced neutropenia. Chemotherapeutic medicines commonly have the effect of suppressing bone marrow myeloid progenitor cells, which might result in decreased output.
  • Neutropenia of Ethnic Origin: The term 'benign ethnic neutropenia' is used to describe the phenotype of having an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 1500 cells/uL but without having an elevated risk of infection.
  • Idiopathic Neutropenia: Chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) is a rare acquired haematological condition that is defined by an absolute neutrophil count (ANCs) that is lower than 1.8 x103/L in white people and 1.5 x103/L in black people for more than 3 months, either in the absence or in the presence of anti-neutrophils antibodies. Idiopathic neutropenia can be caused by a number of different things, including (autoimmune forms)

Defects in the adhesion of leukocytes, often known as LAD:

  • Leukocyte adhesion deficiency: also known as LAD, is an immunodeficiency disorder that affects both B and T cells. It is distinguished by the inability of leukocytes to migrate to the site of an infection in order to eradicate the pathogens responsible for the illness.
  • Myelokathexis Syndrome and the WHIMS Syndrome: Myelokathexis is the inability of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that fight infections, to migrate from the bone marrow into the bloodstream so that they can patrol the body and protect it from harmful pathogens. Patients suffering with WHIM syndrome also struggle with difficulties in delivering the majority of other types of immune cells to the circulation.
  • Reticular Dysgenesis: RD is classified as an immunodeficiency disorder. It has been determined that the illness is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for adenylate kinase.
  • Severe Congenital Neutropenia (SCN): Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is an extremely rare genetic disorder that raises the likelihood of a kid suffering from recurrent infections. The word 'congenital' simply refers to being present at birth.
  • Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), the most common phagocytic disorder, first affects the respiratory system and lymph nodes, then the liver, spleen, bones, and brain. CGD emerges early.
  • Hyper-IgE syndrome: Eczema, recurrent staphylococcal skin abscesses, recurrent lung infections, eosinophilia (a large number of eosinophils in the blood), and high serum levels of IgE are the defining characteristics of Hyper IgE Syndrome (HIES), a rare form of primary immunodeficiency illness.Disorder of glycosylation present at birth, type IIc: Moderate to severe psychomotor impairment, minor dysmorphism, and reduced neutrophil motility characterise CDG2C.
  • Chemotactic disorders: Intrinsic flaws in the cellular motility apparatus, acquired errors due to mediators changing cell function, or alterations in circulating phagocyte subpopulations cause chemotaxis cellular abnormalities. More cells are born with motility defects than develop them over time.
  • Mycobacteriosis typical in genetic patients: mycobacteria that are 'typical' (However, they are not obligate pathogens like the type species of the genus, hence this makes them rather uncommon in comparison to the other members of the genus.) The term 'atypical' is succinct and pleasant to the ear, and it has been utilized liberally across the mycobacterial literature for decades.

Neutrophils Tests

  • Cbc: A complete blood count, also called a full blood count, is a series of tests performed in a medical laboratory that gives information about the cells that are present in a person's blood. These tests are abbreviated as 'CBC.' The complete blood count (CBC) provides information regarding the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as the concentration of hemoglobin and the hematocrit.
  • Blood smear: A blood smear is a type of blood test that provides information on the amount of blood cells as well as the morphology of those cells. It is commonly performed in conjunction with or as a component of a full blood count (CBC). A genetic condition known as sickle cell anaemia is characterised by the production of defective haemoglobin, which is the red pigment found inside of red blood cells.
  • Flow cytometry of lymphocytes: Flow cytometry is a technique performed in a laboratory to investigate the properties of cells or particles. During this step of the process, a sample of cells or particles is first suspended in fluid and then injected into a machine that is a flow cytometer. A computer is capable of performing analysis and processing on around 10,000 cells in significantly less time than one minute.
  • Testing for antibodies against neutrophils: An antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (ANCA test) is a blood test that checks for the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in the blood. Autoantibodies come in a variety of forms, including ANCAs. These particular autoantibodies target proteins inside neutrophils
  • Antinuclear antibodies (often abbreviated as ANAs): In the majority of cases, a positive ANA test shows that your immune system has started an attack on your own tissue, which is another way of saying that you have experienced an autoimmune reaction. However, there are some individuals who are healthy but still have positive ANA test results.
  • Biopsy and an aspirate of the bone marrow: These techniques are used by medical professionals to identify and monitor disorders of the blood and marrow, including some malignancies, as well as fevers with an unexplained cause.
  • PCR: PCR testing, also known as polymerase chain reaction tests, are an efficient and highly accurate method for diagnosing a variety of infectious diseases as well as genetic alterations. The number of neutrophils in a sample is reduced as a result of the tests' successful detection of the DNA or RNA of a pathogen (an organism that causes disease) or aberrant cells in the sample.

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Neutrophils Treatment

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  • Aggressive hydration therapy: Aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution normal saline solution may effectively prevent chronic situations of neutrophils
  • Bone marrow transplant: It is a treatment that replaces unhealthy marrow with a healthy one. this procedure is known for treating patients of granulomatous neutrophilic disease ,and also for patients of neutrophilia. It's also called a blood or marrow transplant (BMT).
  • Lumbar drain: Continuous lumbar drainage (CLD) of leaky CSF has a good success rate with few morbidities in treating neutrophilic diseases and chronic granulocytic neutrophilia.
  • Cytotoxic therapy using hydroxyurea: for treating neutrophilia the cytotoxic drug therapy with excessive hydration therapy is done for increasing immunity and treatment of various infections.
  • Plasma transfusion: Fresh frozen plasma is separated from whole blood by centrifugation or apheresis. Plasma is frozen at 18 °C until transfusion. FFP must be frozen 8 h after donor phlebotomy.
  • Interferon gamma infusion therapy: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used to treat neutrophilia. The effect of IVIg on plasma levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was evaluated in individuals with secondary granulomatous neutrophilia.
  • Prophylactic drug therapy: Prophylactics are used to prevent disease. After neutrophilia, preventive antibiotics can prevent infection due to neutrophil shortage.

Neutrophils Medicines

  • Analgesics for pain in Neutrophils: because of thrombo-phlebitis and granulomatous disease the levels of prostaglandins are released by the body. Analgesics are medications used to relieve pain and reduce the amount of prostaglandins generated by the body.
  • Antibiotics for infection in Neutrophils: Ampicillin-sulbactam plus doxycycline is effective against C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and they are much more helpful in prophylactic treatment of granulomatous disease and neutropenia.
  • Antivirals for treating infection of Neutrophils: as the person suffering from neutrophilia is severely immunodeficient. The medications can lessen the severity of symptoms and cut the duration of a viral illness. Examples are aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet and the immune response modulator.
  • Chemotherapeutic medicines for Neutrophils: The drugs used in this chemotherapy regimen include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil.because of the person being severely immunodeficient prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals are useful.
  • Antifungals for neutrophilia: for prophylactic treatment of granulomatous disease drugs like mycostatin, fluconazole, luliconazole and clotrimazole are also used and topical solutions of neomycin are also known.

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician

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