Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs) formed in the bone marrow. They are slightly larger than mature RBCs and contain a mesh-like network (reticular network) formed from the degeneration of cytoplasmic organelles.
Here’s a closer look at their characteristics:
- Formation: Develop from late normoblasts in the bone marrow, stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin (produced in response to hypoxia).
- Maturation: Mature into RBCs within 1-2 days.
- Prevalence: Represent less than 1% of total RBC counts.
- Nucleus: Lack a nucleus.
- Hemoglobin: Contain less hemoglobin than mature RBCs.
- Basophilic content: Disappears within 1-2 days as they mature.
- Shape: Transform into biconcave shaped mature RBCs.
- Size: 8.0 µm in diameter (larger than mature RBCs).
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Larger than mature RBCs.
- Staining: Stain with basic stains.
- Genetic Material: Contain both DNA & RNA.
Clinical Significance of Reticulocyte Count:
Reticulocyte count is a valuable tool used to:
- Detect anemia: A low count can indicate anemia.
- Detect hemorrhage: An elevated count can point to recent blood loss.
- Assess bone marrow activity: Provides insights into bone marrow function.
- Determine bone marrow damage: Helps ascertain the extent of damage.
- Monitor treatment effectiveness: Tracks the progress of anemia treatment, particularly in cases like aplastic anemia.
- Advanced genetic studies: Used in research and diagnostics.
Conditions Associated with Increased Reticulocyte Count (Reticulocytosis):
- HHHR (Mnemonic):
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Haemorrhage
- Hypoxia
- Recovery from anaemia
Conditions Associated with Decreased Reticulocyte Count:
-
ABCDeP (Mnemonic):
- Aplastic anaemia
- Bone marrow malignancies
- Chemotherapy
- Disorder of erythropoietin production
- e – connecting letter
- Pernicious anaemia
-
HAPers (Mnemonic):
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Aplastic anaemia
- Pernicious anaemia
