We all try so hard to stay away from diseases, don't we? Sometimes even a cold can make us sick. So, inside our bodies, there is a very amazing defense system to fight against such diseases and infections. A very important part of that defense system is the granulocytes that we are going to talk about today. These people work inside our bodies like soldiers who protect our country. Okay, so let's see who these granulocytes are, what they do, and what happens if they become too few or too many. Everything is simple.
Do you know what granulocytes are?
Simply put, a granulocyte is a type of white blood cell. Yes, you've heard that there are red blood cells and white blood cells in the blood. Among those white blood cells, the most common type is the granulocyte.
They get their name because inside their cells, in the cytoplasm (the thick liquid inside the cell), there are tiny, seed-like structures called granules. Inside these granules are various chemicals, such as enzymes . These are like their weapons.
Imagine, when something like a germ or bacteria enters your body, or when there is inflammation due to an injury, these granulocytes rush to the site like an ambulance with a siren. They come and release the chemicals inside their cells to fight the infection.
So, the only way to know exactly what your granulocyte levels are is to get a blood test. This can be done with a CBC (Complete Blood Count), which is usually done.
- If your granulocyte count is high , it could mean that there is some kind of infection in your body.
- Also, if the granulocyte count is low , it could be a sign of a bone marrow disease, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia . But don't worry, not every decrease is dangerous.
These granulocytes are also called `granular leukocytes`, `polymorphonuclear leukocytes` or `PMN cells`. But let's just call them `granulocytes`.
What happens if you have immature granulocytes?
Normally, these granulocyte cells enter the blood only after they have fully matured in our bone marrow, that is, after they have matured. Just like children in school study well and pass exams, they come out.
However, sometimes these immature granulocytes , that is, cells that have not fully matured, are found in the blood. There are several possible reasons why this may happen:
- One is that there may be some problem with the bone marrow.
- Or, it could be that the body is responding to an infection at the earliest opportunity, like quickly sending new soldiers into battle.
Doctors are usually a little concerned if you have more than 2% of your total white blood cell count as immature granulocytes.
But remember this too:
- Pregnant mothers and newborn babies may naturally have some immature granulocytes in their blood. This is normal, a sign that the bone marrow is working well. So there is nothing to worry about.
What is the main function of granulocytes?
Granulocytes don't work alone. They work together as a team to fight and protect us from things like infections, germs, and allergens that enter our bodies.
There are four main types of granulocytes. Each type has slightly different chemicals and enzymes inside those granules, and therefore their functions are slightly different.
1. Neutrophils
- This is the most abundant type of granulocyte, like the largest battalion in an army.
- Their main enemy is bacteria . A single neutrophil cell can ingest and destroy about 20 bacteria in its lifetime!
- Neutrophils make up between 40% and 60% of the total granulocytes in our body, which means about two-thirds of the white blood cells.
2. Eosinophils
- These are also very important. They are found in almost all immune responses .
- Their workload is especially high in cases of allergies .
- Also, it is these eosinophils that fight parasites , that is, organisms that cause diseases like worms.
3. Basophils
- These people mainly fight allergic reactions .
- They release a chemical called histamine , which helps the body get rid of allergens (think of it as sneezing and runny nose ).
- It also releases heparin , which prevents blood clotting.
4. Mast cells
- Mast cells are also a type of granulocyte. But they don't circulate in the blood like the others. They reside inside our tissues.
- Like basophils, they also release histamine and heparin.
- Basophils and mast cells are similar in appearance. The main difference is that basophils have a shorter lifespan and rush to the site of inflammation as soon as it occurs.
Where are granulocytes located?
These little soldiers, called granulocytes, are produced in our bone marrow, like a training camp. Then, when the body needs their services, they join the blood and travel to the appropriate places.
What should the normal level of granulocytes be like?
Normally, a healthy person should have between 1,500 and 8,500 granulocytes per microliter (a very small drop of blood) of blood. Your blood test report will probably show this as `1.5 – 8.5 x 10^9/L`. These values can vary slightly from lab to lab.
If we take the different types of granulocytes we talked about earlier as a percentage, this is what they should normally be:
- Neutrophils: Between 50% and 70% of all white blood cells.
- Eosinophils: Between 1% and 3%.
- Basophils: Between 0.4% and 1%.
What are the common diseases that affect granulocytes?
Various medical conditions can occur due to an increase or decrease in the number of granulocytes. Let's look at a few of them:
- Basophilia: This is an increase in the number of basophils. This can be a sign of an infection, an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body's own cells attack itself), or a condition such as leukemia.
- Cyclic neutropenia: This is when the level of neutrophils decreases and then returns to normal. This happens in a cycle. This condition increases the risk of developing infections.
- Eosinophilia: An increase in the number of eosinophils. This is commonly seen in conditions such as asthma and seasonal allergies . It can also be a sign of parasitic infections or autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis and inflammatory bowel disease .
- Granulocytosis: This is an increase in the total number of granulocytes. This can have several causes. Infections, blood cancers, some autoimmune diseases, and bone marrow diseases are the main ones.
- Neutropenia (also called granulocytopenia): This is a decrease in the number of granulocytes, especially neutrophils. This is usually due to a blood or bone marrow disorder, such as aplastic anemia or leukemia . Agranulocytosis is the most severe form of neutropenia.
What are the common symptoms of granulocyte-related diseases?
These symptoms may vary depending on your specific condition. However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Feeling tired all the time (Fatigue)
- Fever
- Frequent infections (e.g. colds, throat infections, urinary tract infections)
- Gum disease
- Joint pain
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes, such as eczema
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (in places like the neck and armpits)
If you continue to have one or more of these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor for advice.
What tests are done to check granulocyte levels?
Your doctor can check your granulocyte count by doing a complete blood count (CBC) . This is a very simple blood test that is usually done.
To find granulocyte levels on your CBC report, look for these words:
- Neutrophil or “neut.”
- Eosinophil or “eosin.”
- Basophil or “baso.”
These words are often followed by the word “abs.” This stands for “absolute.” It means the absolute number of each cell type (the exact number in a volume of blood).
What are the treatments for granulocyte-related diseases?
Treatment options will vary depending on your condition, but some common treatments include:
- Antibiotics: If there is an infection.
- Bone marrow transplant: In some severe cases.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.
- G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) injections: Increase granulocyte production.
- Immunosuppressants: In autoimmune diseases.
If the cancer affects granulocytes, treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery
Treatment of immature granulocytes
If your blood test results show that you have immature granulocytes, your doctor may do further tests to find the cause.
- If the cause is an infection, appropriate medication will be prescribed.
- If the cause is something like cancer, they will talk to you about treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
How do I take care of myself? What if I need to be concerned about my granulocyte levels?
If you have a condition that affects your granulocyte levels, it's important to protect yourself from infections. Here are some things you can do:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or face without washing your hands. How many invisible germs are on our hands?
- Get recommended vaccinations on time. These can protect against many infections.
- Visit your dentist regularly, and maintain good oral hygiene at home. Brush and floss your teeth well.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after going out.
- Avoid crowded places and places where sick people are as much as possible.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These strengthen your immune system.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking.
The most important thing is to seek medical advice if you have any unusual symptoms, without ignoring them.
What is the difference between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes?
Both of these are types of white blood cells. However, agranulocytes do not have the aforementioned granules in their cytoplasm. The letter "A" often means "no." So "agranulocyte" means something like "cells without granules."
Monocytes and lymphocytes are two examples of these agranulocytes. They also play a very important role in the immune system.
Finally, things to remember
Granulocytes are the silent soldiers of our immune system that fight infections, allergens, and other irritants that enter our bodies. When these white blood cells are working properly, our bodies can better protect themselves.
However, if your body doesn't produce enough granulocytes, or if the number of granulocytes is too low or too high, it could indicate a serious underlying condition.
If you are getting sick frequently, are prone to infections, or have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please see a doctor. They can run the necessary tests, find out what the cause is, and plan the best treatment for you. Taking care of your health is the most important thing!
` Granulocytes, white blood cells, immunity, infections, blood tests, symptoms, health tips, CBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
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