White Blood Cell

Definition of White Blood Cell:

A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria.  White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance.  White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.  Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells.  T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8) cells.

Also: WBC, White Blood Cells

Topics Related to White Blood Cell

A Low Platelet Count

...the condition
“...This condition involves a defect in the production of platelets by the bone marrow that can occur as part of a general bone marrow dysfunction, in which both red and white blood cells are also produced insufficiently...”

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

...the condition
“...Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow...”
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More topics Related to White Blood Cell

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

...the condition
“...Most cases of AML develop from cells that would turn into white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), but some cases of AML develop in other types of blood-forming cells...”

Addison's Disease

...the condition
“...These may include an elevated blood level of potassium, a low blood level of sodium, a shift in the ratio of certain white blood cells, or surprising changes on an EKG or chest X-ray that are caused by high potassium or low blood volume...”

Agranulocytosis

...related topic
“Condition characterized by a marked decrease in the number of white blood cells called granulocytes.”

Anemia

...the condition
“...The blood contains three types of blood cells: white blood cells fight infection; platelets help the blood to clot; red blood cells containing hemoglobin, which allows them to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide; Risk factors for developing anemia...”

Antibiotics

...as a treatment
“...A healthy immune system, using specialized white blood cells, can usually destroy harmful bacteria before they can multiply and cause serious symptoms...”

Antibody

...related topic
“A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus...”

Antigen

...related topic
“A substance, usually protein or protein-sugar complex in nature, which, being foreign to the bloodstream or tissues of an animal, stimulates the formation of specific blood serum antibodies and white blood cell activity.  Re-exposure to similar antigen will reactivate the white blood cells and antibody programmed against this specific antigen.”

Appendicitis

...the condition
“...Acute Appendicitis – Laboratory findings ... Early increase in WBC (to 12,000/ul – 14,000/ul; later up to 20,000/ul); more than 75% neutrophils with a "shift to the left"...”

Asthma

...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“...Both treated and untreated asthmatic patients have been shown to have significantly lower levels of ascorbic acid in both serum and white blood cells.  Ascorbic acid has a wide variety of pharmacological effects that appear important in asthmatic treatment.”

Bacteria / Pathogen Testing by PCR

...as a treatment
“...The DNA-containing white blood cells are removed and broken to release their DNA...”

Basophil

...related topic
“The basophils account for about 1% of the granulocyte count (60 to 75% of the white blood cells).  They release chemicals such as histamine and play a role in the inflammatory response to infection.”

Beta 1,3 Glucan

...as a treatment
“...polymers known as Beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system – stimulating anti-tumor and antimicrobial activity, for example – by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them...”

Blood Transfusion

...as a treatment
“...Donated blood is often separated into its components ... White blood cells: Help the body to fight infection...”

Bone Marrow Suppression

...the condition
“...The result is a reduction in red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and/or platelets (which control bleeding)...”

CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test

...as a treatment
“...White Blood Cells (WBC) There are five different types of WBC that the body uses to fight infections or other causes of injury...”

CD3

...related topic
White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes...”

CD4

...related topic
“...White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes...”

CD8

...related topic
White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes...”

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

...the condition
“...If CHS is suspected, the following tests maybe used ... Complete blood count, including white blood cell count...”

Chronic / Hidden Infection

...the condition
“...But scientists believe that the microbes may stimulate white blood cells to aggregate, causing the chronic inflammation that has now been implicated in asthma, allergies, heart disease and other disorders...”

Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)

...the condition
“Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) is a highly rare disease in which too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) are found in the bone marrow, blood, and other tissues...”

Chronic Inflammation

...the condition
“...The inflammatory response includes redness, swelling and an increased local supply of white blood cells.  These changes are an attempt to ward off infections and to help repair damaged tissue...”
...recommendation Bioflavonoids
“...Quercetin is known to reduce histamine release from some inflammatory white blood cells; Quercetin has been likened to the anti-inflammatory drug cromolyn sodium, which acts in a similar fashion; Quercetin has also been shown to prevent release of leukotrienes -...”

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

...the condition
“...Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts from white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow, from where it invades the blood...”

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

...the condition
“...Unlike acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia permits the development of mature white blood cells that generally can function normally...”

Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia (CNL)

...the condition
“...Chronic neutrophilic leukemia features persistent neutrophilia, increased white blood cell production in the bone marrow, and enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)...”

Clostridium Difficile Infection

...the condition
“...Bad bacteria release toxins, which lead to a variety of symptoms, including ... Increased white blood cell count...”

Complete Blood Count

...related topic
“...The values generally included are ... White blood cell count (WBC)...”

Copper Deficiency

...the condition
“...Copper deficiency results in several abnormalities of the immune system, such as a reduced cellular immune response, reduced activity of white blood cells and, possibly, reduced thymus hormone production, all of which may contribute to an increased infection rate...”

Crohn's Disease

...the condition
“...When the intestinal immune system does not function properly, many white blood cells accumulate in the inner lining (mucosa) of the gut...”

Cytokines

...related topic
“...They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells...”

Diabetes Type II

...recommendation Vitamin E
“...Ishwarlal Jialal and Sridevi Devaraj found that increased inflammation caused by white blood cells – monocytes – was reduced when diabetics were given 1,200 IU per day of natural vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) for three months...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...A complete blood count should be obtained to look for evidence of anemia or an abnormal white blood cell count.  Biochemical screening should include serum electrolytes, tests of renal function (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and a basic nutritional assessment, consisting of a...”

Ehrlichiosis

...the condition
“...A CBC shows decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia); a granulocyte stain shows clumps of bacteria inside white blood cells; the platelet count shows decreased platelets...”

Emphysema

...the condition
“...Blood tests can also be used to look at the white blood cell (WBC) count which might indicate an acute infection...”

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

...the condition
“...Lymph is a clear liquid containing white blood cells, proteins, salts, and water...”

Eosinophil

...related topic
“The eosinophils, ordinarily about 2% of the granulocyte count (60 to 75% of the white blood cells), increase in number in the presence of allergic disorders and parasitic infestations.”

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

...the condition
“...Serologic test results include a normal to moderately elevated white blood cell count, an increased total number of lymphocytes, greater than 10% atypical lymphocytes, and a positive reaction to a "mono spot" test...”

Essential Thrombocythemia

...the condition
“...Where symptoms are present, they may include ... Elevated white blood cell count...”

Exudates

...related topic
“...Unlike a transudate, which is merely edema from lymphatic congestion, exudates contain dead cells, erythrocytes, white blood cells and often pus.”

Fanconi Anemia

...the condition
“...In these people, the bone marrow makes a lot of immature and potentially dangerous white blood cells called blasts...”

Felty's Syndrome

...related topic
“A group of abnormal changes (such as an enlarged spleen, frequent infections, and a decreased white blood cell count) that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis.”

Gallbladder Disease

...the condition
“...A high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) is another common finding but should not be relied on to establish a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis...”

Garlic

...as a treatment
“...One way garlic enhances the immune system is by promoting phagocytosis, the ability of white blood cells to fight infections...”

Gastritis

...the condition
“...Gastritis can be diagnosed by biopsy and specimen examination under a microscope, where the presence of increased white blood cells is seen.  Laboratory Findings...”
...related topic
“...White blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury; this does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer – it is simply inflammation, either acute or chronic...”

Gout / Hyperuricemia

...the condition
“...When these crystals are ingested by white blood cells, the cells release enzymes that evoke inflammation...”

Granulocyte

...related topic
“A mature white blood cell with cytoplasm containing granules.”

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

...the condition
“...Some theories suggest an autoimmune mechanism, in which the patient's defense system of antibodies and white blood cells are triggered into damaging the nerve covering or insulation, leading to weakness and abnormal sensation...”

Hepatitis

...the condition
“...Unlike other white blood cells, inadequate numbers of NK cells are rarely a problem...”

High White Blood Cell Count

...the condition
White blood cells play an important role in the immune system of an individual...”

HIV/AIDS

...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“Sugar and corn syrup found in many desserts impair the engulfing power of white blood cells.  The worst offenders are found in canned soda, candy bars, pastry and other processed desserts...”

Hives (Urticaria)

...recommendation Conventional Drug Use
“...Other inflammatory white blood cells, including lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, have also been implicated...”

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“...Iron deficiency; Osteoporosis; Receding gums; Food allergies; Gallstones; Diabetes; Greater risk of bad bacteria and parasites in the intestines; Ulcer formation; Reduced liver function; Decreased white blood cell activity; Mineral deficiencies due to malabsorption”

Hypersplenism

...the condition
“...Most patients will develop an enlarged spleen, anemia, leukopenia, or abnormally low white blood cell counts, or thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of circulating platelets in the blood...”
...related topic
“A condition in which there is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen and an abnormal decrease in white blood cells.”

Infectious Mononucleosis - Mono

...the condition
“...Confirmation, if necessary, can be accomplished by either of two blood tests ... EBV causes an increase in a specific type of white blood cell, the atypical lymphocyte...”

Kaposi's Sarcoma

...the condition
“...Chemotherapy can affect the heart and suppress bone marrow function, causing a drop in the number of white blood cells.  This makes you more vulnerable to infections and fatigue...”

Lactoferrin

...as a treatment
“A protein that is found in milk, tears, mucus, bile, and some white blood cells and is being studied in the treatment and prevention of cancer...”

Leukemia

...the condition
“Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow; it is a general term used to describe a wide range of conditions, the common feature of which is elevated levels of immature white blood cells.  The word leukemia in fact means 'white blood'...”
...related topic
“Cancer of the lymph glands and bone marrow resulting in overproduction of white blood cells (related to Hodgkin's disease).”
...our question about Bruising susceptibility
“Higher numbers of immature white blood cells displace blood platelets, which are essential for the blood clotting process...”

Leukocyte

...related topic
“A white blood cell which appears 5,000 to 10,000 times in each cubic millimeter of normal human blood...”

Leukocytosis

...related topic
“Having abnormally high numbers of white blood cells, usually the result of a non-viral infection.”

Leukopenia

...related topic
“A condition in which the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low.”

Leukosis

...related topic
“Abnormal proliferation of any of the tissues that produce white blood cells.”

Low White Blood Cell Count

...the condition
“Alternative names: Neutropenia White blood cells play an important role in the immunity/immune system of an individual...”
...relationship to Chronic / Hidden Infection
“A hidden chronic or overwhelming infection – especially a viral infection – can result in a depressed white blood cell count.”
...relationship to Chemotherapy Side-Effects
“Radiation therapy and chemotherapy destroy fast-growing cells such as white blood cells.  Patients receiving a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy are at greater risk of a low white count.”
...relationship to Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
“...A low white blood cell count is suggestive of active lupus (although certain viruses can also give a low white count) while a high count suggests infection.”
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More topics Related to White Blood Cell

L-Taurine

...as a treatment
“...Important to the heart muscle, white blood cells, musculoskeletal system, and central nervous system, it has been used in the treatment of breast cancer, anxiety, poor brain function, epilepsy, and Down syndrome children...”

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

...the condition
“...The 11 criteria used for the diagnosis of lupus ... Hematologic disorder – Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count) or leukopenia (white blood cell count <4,000/uL), lymphopenia (<1,500/uL) or thrombocytopenia (<100,000/uL) in the absence of offending drug...”

Lymphatic Stimulation

...as a treatment
“...This fluid consists of waste materials and some white blood cells.  It is not under pressure and only moves because of exercise or muscle contraction...”

Lymphatic System

...related topic
“...Lymphatic fluid (also called lymph) is rich in white blood cells that fight infection and an important part of the body's immune system.”

Lymphocyte

...related topic
“A type of white blood cell found in lymph, blood, and other specialized tissue such as bone marrow and tonsils, constituting between 22 and 28 percent of all white blood cells in the blood of a normal adult...”

Male Infertility (Low Sperm Count)

...the condition
“...of the sperm show good forward movement), morphology (shape and form), volume, fructose level, pH, liquefaction, MOT (how many sperm per ml are highly motile), total motile spermatozoa, presence of white blood cells.  Sometimes the real cause of low sperm count is never found...”

Manganese

...as a treatment
“...Manganese is also linked to decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in white blood cells, which leaves the body more vulnerable to the damaging effects of free-radicals...”

Massage

...as a treatment
“...There are some small studies indicating immune stimulation by increasing white blood cell quantity and natural killer-cell activity...”

Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia

...the condition
“...Decreased numbers and immaturity of white blood cells (leukocytes) and blood platelets (thrombocytes) may also occur...”

Mesenteric Ischemia

...the condition
“...white blood cell count over 10.5 – 98%; lactic acid elevated – 91%; nausea – 44% (other surveys have found nausea and vomiting in 75% of affected patients); vomiting – 35%; diarrhea – 35%; heart rate...”

Monocytes Elevated

...the condition
“Monocytes are white blood cells that help other white blood cells to remove dead or damaged tissues, destroy cancer cells, and regulate immunity against foreign substances...”

Mononucleosis

...related topic
“...The general symptoms are fever, sore throat, exhaustion, and abnormal white blood cells.”

Multiple Myeloma

...the condition
“...Recurrent infection – Increased numbers of myeloma cells can also decrease the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, leading to reduced immunity and the possibility of frequent recurrent infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, urinary-tract infections, and shingles...”

Multiple Sclerosis

...the condition
“...The lesions ('plaques') of Multiple Sclerosis are areas of tissue damage arising from inflammation, which occurs when white blood cells and fluid accumulate around blood vessels...”

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

...the condition
“...It contains immature cells, called stem cells, which can develop into the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, as well as the white blood cells that fight infection, and the platelets that help with blood clotting...”

Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

...the condition
“...Disorder; previously known as Myeloproliferative Disease (MPD) Myeloproliferative disorders are a group of slow-growing blood cancers in which large numbers of abnormal red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets grow in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood...”

Neutropenia

...the condition
“...Neutrophils are a specific kind of white blood cell that help prevent and fight infections...”
...relationship to Aplastic Anemia
“Aplastic anemia reduces the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.”
...relationship to Leukemia
“Leukemia causes decreased production of neutrophils because they are crowded out of the bone marrow by the early forms of white blood cells.”
...relationship to Myelodysplastic Syndrome
“The most common type of granulocyte (white blood cell with granules) in bone marrow is the neutrophil...”

Neutrophilia

...the condition
“Neutrophils are white blood cells (WBC) that move from the blood into the cells to kill invading bacteria and fungi...”
...related topic
“A white blood cell disorder in which there is a higher than normal number of neutrophils in the blood...”

Neutrophils

...related topic
“A neutrophil is a type of mature (developed) white blood cell that is present in the blood...”

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

...the condition
“...Until the transplanted bone marrow begins to produce enough white blood cells, patients have to be carefully protected from infection...”

Ozone / Oxidative Therapy

...as a treatment
“...to Frank Shallenberger, MD, author of The Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy, bio-oxidative therapies affect the human body in the following ways ... They stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are necessary to fight infection...”

Pancytopenia

...related topic
“...There are fewer red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets...”

Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis

...the condition
“...The infection fighting white blood cells become trapped and die...”

Peritonitis

...the condition
“...Laboratory findings ... Ascitic fluid – turbid, bloody, may contain fat globules; increased WBC; Gram's stain and aerobic and anaerobic cultures show multiple organisms; increased amylase; increased mononuclear cells and decreased glucose occur in tuberculous peritonitis...”

Peyer's Patches

...related topic
“...They contain white blood cells, defend against invading bacteria and try to prevent inadequately digested food particles from crossing the gut wall and entering the blood...”

Polymyositis

...the condition
“...It begins when white blood cells – the immune cells of inflammation – spontaneously invade muscles...”
...recommendation Conventional Drug Use
“...These medicines can be effective by suppressing the immune response which attracts the white blood cells of inflammation to the muscles...”

Poor/Slow Wound Healing

...the condition
“...White blood cells clean the wound of debris and bacteria...”
...recommendation Glutamine
“The amino acid glutamine is an important substrate for rapidly proliferating cells, including lymphocytes (white blood cells).  It is also the major amino acid lost during muscle protein catabolism in the initial response to injury...”
...recommendation L-Arginine
“...The same study found marked enhancement of the activity and efficacy of peripheral T-lymphocytes (white blood cells in the bloodstream)...”
...recommendation Zinc
“...Zinc is required for the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection...”
...recommendation Aloe Vera
“...Some of these components cause cells to divide and multiply; some stimulate the growth of white blood cells.  Aloe vera also enhances cell wall permeability, increasing cell access to nutrients and facilitating the removal of toxins from the cells...”

Prostatitis

...the condition
“...The three-glass urine collection method is used to measure the presence of white blood cells and bacteria in the urine and prostatic fluid...”

Psoriatic Arthritis

...the condition
“...More serious side-effects, monitored through regular blood and urine tests, include liver damage, and excessive lowering of the white blood cell count (increasing susceptibility to certain infections) and platelet count (affecting blood clotting)...”

Radiation Therapy (Radio Therapy)

...as a treatment
“...Radiation therapy also may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells or platelets...”

Rectal Cancer

...the condition
“...5-fluorouracil may cause low white blood cell count, ulcers, and visual problems...”

Rheumatoid Arthritis

...the condition
“...White blood cells that are part of the normal immune system travel to the synovium and release cytokines that attack synovial cells, which in turn release other destructive substances...”

Sarcoidosis

...the condition
“...The disorder involves an abnormal immune system response resulting in deposits of white blood cells and abnormal tissue cells in the affected organs...”

Sinusitis

...the condition
“...Normal controls had almost as much growth, the difference being that those patients with chronic sinusitis had eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergic and other reactions) which had become activated...”

Subphrenic Abscess

...the condition
“...Blood tests (including CBC with white blood cell differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) show a leukocytosis and the patient may be anemic...”

Susceptibility To Miscarriages

...the condition
“...Some of the messages involve the tissue type, also known as the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and the white blood cell (leukocyte) type...”

T4 Helper Cells

...related topic
“A T4 cell is a type of lymphocyte, which is a type of white blood cell.  T4 cells perform very important roles in the immune system, protecting us from viral infections, helping to fight bacterial and fungal infections, producing antibodies, fighting...”

Test Immune System Function

...as a treatment
“...A full blood count and a differential white cell count tell us whether there are enough white blood cells of each required type present...”

Test Zinc Levels

...as a treatment
“...The best method of accurately determining zinc status is through measuring white blood cell levels.  Since this test is not readily available and may be more expensive, serum zinc is routinely used as a screening tool...”

Therapeutic Fasting

...as a treatment
“...During an acute viral illness, fasting activates white blood cells and causes more interferon to be produced...”

Thymic Factors

...as a treatment
“...The thymus seeds the body with immature T-cells, the white blood cells responsible for "cell-mediated immunity"...”

Thymus

...related topic
“...For example, "T" cells are white blood cells that have been activated by the thymus; hence the letter "T"...”

T-Lymphocyte

...related topic
“Long-lived mononuclear white blood cell having the property of destroying target cells and responsible for cell-mediated immunity.”

Torn, weak, or Stretched Ligaments or Tendons

...the condition
“...The ligamentous and cellular debris and a number of chemicals in the fluid or plasma around the broken-open cells attract an influx of white blood cells called leukocytes...”

Ulcerative Colitis

...the condition
“...Laboratory findings ... Gross or occult blood in stool; WBC in stool...”
...our question about Mucus in stools
“...Rectal mucous, which can be high in red and white blood cells, accompanies stools or occurs between bowel movements.”

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

...as a treatment
“...UVB therapy is used to ... activate white blood cells...”

Urinalysis

...as a treatment
“...Leukocyte Esterase: A positive leukocyte esterase test results from the presence of white blood cells either as whole cells or as lysed cells...”

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

...the condition
“...White blood cells will also move into the bladder and urine to kill the invading bacteria...”
...recommendation Urinalysis
“...Many patients, therefore, may receive an abbreviated laboratory work-up using dipstick tests to screen for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells.  If treatment does not improve symptoms, further testing should be done...”

Weakened Immune System

...the condition
“...Our blood consists mainly of plasma and red blood cells, but also platelets and white blood cells (also called leukocytes or just WBC)...”
...relationship to Vitamin B12 Requirement
“Impaired white blood cells response can be a sign of B12 deficiency.”
...recommendation Therapeutic Fasting
“...Fasting appears to trigger the production of new white blood cells, which fight off infection...”
...recommendation Massage
“Medical students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey who were massaged showed a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system.”

West Nile Virus

...the condition
“...Diagnostic tests that may be used if West Nile virus is suspected include the following ... CBC – may show a normal or elevated white blood cell (WBC) count...”
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