Hematology and Oncology Flashcards
Erythrocyte
Carries O2 to tissues and CO2 to lungs. Anucleate and biconcave, with large surface area-to-volume ratio for rapid gas exchange. There lifespan is 120 days. Source of energy is glucose (90% used in glycolysis, 10% used in HMP shunt). Membrane contains Cl-/HCO3- antiporter, which allows RBCs to export HCO3- and transport CO2 from the periphery to the lungs for elimination. Eryth=red; cyte=cell.
Erythrocytosis
polycythemia; an increase hematocrit
Anisocytosis
varying sizes of RBCs
Poikilocytosis
varying shapes of RBCs.
Reticulocyte
an immature RBC; reflects erythroid proliferation.
Thrombocyte
Platelet. Involved in primary hemostasis. Small cytoplasmic fragment derived from megakaryocytes. Life span of 8-10 days. When activated by endothelial injury, aggregates with other platelets and interacts with fibrinogen to form platelets and interacts with fibrinogen to form platelet plug. Contains dense granules (ADP and Ca) and alpha granules (vWF and fibrinogen). Approximately 1/3 of platelet pool is stored in the spleen. Thrombocytopenia or a decrease in platelet function results in petechiae. vWF receptor binds GpIb. Fibrinogen receptor binds GpIIb/IIIa.
Leukocyte
Divided into granulocytes (neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil) and mononuclear cells (monocytes, lymphocytes). Responsible for defense against infections. Normally 4,000-10,000 cells/mm3.
WBC differential
Neutrophils: 54-62%. Lymphocytes: 25-33%. Monocytes: 3-7%. Eosinophils: 1-3%. Basophils: 0-0.75%.
Neutrophil
Acute inflammatory response cell. Increased in bacterial infections. Phagocytic. Multilobed nucleus. Specific granules contain SLP, collagenase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin. Azurophilic granules (lysosomes) contain proteinases, acid phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, and beta-glucuronidase. Hypersegmented polys (5 or more lobes) are seen in vitamin B12/ folate deficiency. An increase in band cells (immature neutrophils) reflect states of increased myeloid proliferation (bacterial infections, CML). Important neutrophil chemotactic agents: C5a, IL-8, LTB4, Kallikerin, platelet-activating factor.
Monocyte
Differentiates into macrophages in tissues. Large, kidney shaped nucleus. Extensive frosted glass cytoplasm. Mono=one (nucleus); cyte=cell.
Macrophage
Phagocytoses bacteria, cellular debris, and senescent RBCs. Long life is tissues. Macrophages differentiate from circulating blood monocytes. Activated by gamma-interferon. Can function as antigen-presenting cell vis MHC II. Important component of granuloma formation (eg TB, sarcoidosis). Lipid A from bacterial LPS binds CD14 on macrophages to initiate septic shock.
Eosinophil
Defends against helminthic injections (major basic protein). Bilobate nucleus. Pack with large eosinophilic granules of uniform size. Highly phagocytic for antigen-antibody complexes. Produces histaminase and major basic protein (MBP, a helminthotoxin).
Causes of eosinophilia
Neoplasia, Asthma, Allergic processes, Chronic adrenal insufficiency, Parasites (invasive) NAACP.
Basophil
Mediates allergic reaction. Densely basophilic granules contain heparin (anticoagulant) and histamine (vasodilator). Leukotrienes synthesized and released on demand. Basophilic is when stained with basic stains. Basophilia is uncommon, but can be a sign of myeloproliferative disease, particularly CML.
Mast cell
Mediates allergic reactions in local tissues. Mast cells contain basophilic granules and originate from the same precursor as basophils but are not the same cell type. Can bind the Fc portion of IgE to membrane. IgE cross-links upon antigen binding, causing degranulation, which releases histamine, heparin, and eosinophil chemotactic factors. Involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions. Cromolyn sodium prevents mast cell degranulation (used for asthma prophylaxis).
Dendritic cell
Highly phagocytic APC. Functions as link between innate and adaptive immune systems. Expresses MHC class II Fc receptors on surface. Called Langerhans cell in the skin.
Lymphocyte
Refers to B cells, T cells, and NK cells. B cells and T cells mediate adaptive immunity. NK cells are part of the innate immune response. Round, densely staining nucleus with small amount of pale cytoplasm.
B cell
Part of the humoral immune response. Originates from stem cells in bone marrow and matures in marrow. Migrates to peripheral lymphoid tissue (follicles of lymph nodes, white pulp of spleen, unencapsulated lymphoid tissue). When antigen is encountered, B cells differentiate into plasma cells (which produce antibodies) and memory cells. Can functions as an APC via MHC II. They have CD19, CD21, CD20. B=Bone marrow
T cell
Mediates cellular immune response. Originates from stem cells in the bone marrow, but matures in the thymus. T cells differentiate into cytotoxic T cells (express CD8, recognize MHC I), helper T cells (express CD4, recognize MHC II), and regulatory T cells. CD28 (co-stimulatory signal) necessary for T-cell activation. The majority of circulating lymphocytes are T cells (80%). T is for Thymus. CD4+ helper T cells are the primary target of HIV. MHCxCD=8 (eg MHC 2 x CD4=8, and MHC 1 x CD8=8).
Plasma cell
Produces large amounts of antibody specific to a particular antigen. Clock-face chromatin distribution, abundant RER, and well-developed Golgi apparatus. Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell cancer.
Group A blood
Group A antigens on RBC surface. Antibodies are IgM anti-B. If a patient receive B or AB, they have a hemolytic reaction.
Group B blood
Group B antigens on RBC surface. Antibodies are IgM anti-A. If a patient receive A or AB, they have a hemolytic reaction.
Group AB blood
Group A and B antigens on RBC surface. There are no antibodies. They are universal recipients of RBCs. If a patient receive B or AB, they have a hemolytic reaction.
Group O blood
No group antigens. They are universal donor of RBCs. Antibodies are IgM anti-B and anti-A. If a patient receive any non O blood, they have a hemolytic reaction.