Q. What is the general function of leukocytes? What are leukopenia and leukocytosis?
The general function of leukocytes is to participate in the made inside the body or defense of the body against strange agents that penetrate it.
leukopenia and Leukocytosis are clinical conditions in which the count of leukocytes in a blood sample is abnormal. When the leukocyte count in a blood sample is more than the normal level for the individual leukocytosis is defined. When the leukocyte count is lower than the expected normal level leukopenia is defined. The multiplication of these defense cells leukocytosis in general takes place when the body is suffering infections or in cancers of these cells. The lowering of these defense cells or leukopenia occurs when some diseases attack the cells like in AIDS or when immunosuppressor drugs are used.
In general the body creates leukocytosis as a defense reaction when it is facing pathogenic or infectious agents. The clinical condition of leukocytosis is thus a sign of infection, Leukopenia occurs when there is a deficiency in the production for instance, in bone marrow diseases or excessive destruction of leukocytes for instance, in case of HIV infection.