Proteins synthesized mainly by the liver, and ions and water whose levels are controlled by the kidneys. Albumin is major serum protein. Plasma can clot, and fluid remaining after is called serum.

Eosinophilic Stain

Poker chip-like stacks of RBCs

Proteins in the RBC cell membrane responsible for anchoring the peripheral protein network (aka cytoskeleton).

Sickle Cell Anemia

First step in microbe destruction with PMNs. Surface receptors with specific binding sites for molecules involved in inflammation. Such molecules, upon binding, stimulate PMNs to move toward higher concentrations. Initial movements involved marginated cells in venules or capillaries leaving blood stream and entering tissue (diapedesis-to leap between). May be stimulated by interaction of adhesion molecules (selectins and integrins and their ligands) expressed on surface of PMNs and endothelial cells, which respond to inflammatory signals.

Once in a tissue, PMNs follow gradietns of chemotactic factors generated by inflammatory agents (ie C5a, cytokines, arachidonic acid metabolites, bacterial petides containing N-formylmethionine, and other factors released by WBCs at site of infection. One of these factors is released by PMNs enfulfing uric acid crystals seen in gout, leading to gouty arthritis.

Second part of PMN destruction of microbes. Membrane of PMN surrounds and encloses microbe, likely involving integral membrane protein receptors and movements of cytoskeleton

8-10 um in diameter with bilobed nucleus. Granules similar to mast cells, containing histamine and heparin. Histamine, SRS (slow reacting substance), and other molecules responsible for vasodilation. Rare in blood (5,000/ml)

Function like mast cells 1)In immunological stimuli by secreting cytokines and other singaling molecules besides histamine to recruite eosinophiles and lymphocytes. Make IL-4, which is important in the production of Th2 cells and antibody production.

2)May be involved in Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Reacitons, though T cell release of cytokines in response to stimulation may be responsible.

3)Immediate hypersensitivity produced by mast and basophils releasing factors in response to antigens binding to IgE

Precursor of tissue macrophages. Largest blood cell at 12-20 um. Nucleus is kidney shaped, lacy chromatin. Cytoplasm is gray or blue, granules usually not visible, occasional vacuoles.

Function as precursor, phagocytosis of microbes and old or damaged host cells, participate in immune response (process antigen, remove excess antigen, present antigen to lymphocytes, secrete cytokines)

200/400 million/ml. Cell fragments 2 um. No nucleus, but do have organelles. Look like dirt on smears.

Function in hemostasis through endothelial cell maintenance (release factors that keep small blood vessels from leaking) and Clotting. Clotting causes platelets to bind to collagen and other ECM components via receptors, causing them to spread out and move. Other platelets bind to adhering platelets and a plug is formed. Plug interacts with clot and fibrinogen converted to fibrin by thrombin, resulting in successful clot. Later, platelets contract resulting in clot retracting through actin and myosin.

Small cells size of RBCs. Contain dense nucleus and little cytoplasm, which is bluish when visible. Large lymphocytes can be distinguished from monocytes by appearance of nucleus and color (K, NK cells).

Function as main players in acquired immunity