Stages of Neutrophil Development in Hematopoiesis

May 3, 2024

Lecture Notes on Hematopoiesis: Simplified Overview Part 2 - Neutrophil Production

Summary

The lecture focuses on hematopoiesis, specifically the production of neutrophils within bone marrow, tracking their development stages from the most mature form to the most immature progenitor cells. Additionally, it covers the appearance and characteristics of different cells found in bone marrow and peripheral blood, and the transitions of cellular morphology and internal structures as cells develop.

Key Lecture Points

  • Objective
    • To identify and characterize the developmental stages of granulopoiesis, including changes in the cytoplasm and nucleus.

Neutrophil Maturation Process

  1. Mature Neutrophil

    • Lobulated nucleus with thin sections connecting lobes.
    • Cytoplasm has a typical grey appearance with specific and nonspecific granules.
  2. Band Cells

    • Appear in the blood primarily in the event of an infection.
    • Horseshoe-shaped nucleus and typically mature grey cytoplasm.
    • Transition from mature neutrophil to less advanced stages.
  3. Neutrophilic Metamyelocyte

    • Nucleus appears kidney or indented in shape.
    • Mostly grey cytoplasm, similar to more mature states but less condensed.
  4. Neutrophilic Myelocyte

    • Large cytoplasm includes combinations of pink and grey, indicating specific and nonspecific granules.
    • The nucleus is less condensed compared to more mature forms.
  5. Promyelocyte

    • Large amount of cytoplasm which appears blue due to numerous ribosomes.
    • Oval nucleus with presence of both blueish (due to ribosomes) and pinkish areas indicating different types of granules.
    • Represents an immature form before the myelocyte phase.

Visualization and Identification in Blood and Bone Marrow

  • Microscopic Examination

    • Bone marrow samples were shown, containing different developing stages of neutrophils among other cells like erythroblasts, lymphocytes, platelets, and fat cells.
    • Identification of several blood vessels and the translocation of cells from the extravascular to vascular spaces was noted.
  • Electron Micrographs

    • Enhanced views showcasing specific granules, with descriptions of lobulated and euchromatic nuclei.
    • Detailed observation of different lobes and granules specific to various stages of neutrophil development.

Additional Observations

  • Non-Neutrophil Cells
    • Other cells such as erythroblasts, basophils, and monocytes were discussed to show the diversity of cell types present within bone marrow and peripheral blood.
    • Specific characteristics such as the lack of granules in monocytes and the different stages of erythroblast development helped contrast features with developing neutrophils.

Conclusion

The lecture provided detailed insights into the maturation and production of neutrophils in the bone marrow, emphasizing the changes in nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics during the development stages. Additionally, information about the surrounding cellular environment in the bone marrow and peripheral blood highlighted the complexity and interconnected nature of hematopoiesis.