Reticulocyte

A reticulocyte is an immature form of an erythrocyte (red blood cell) containing remnants of ribosomes and RNA. Reticulocytes are formed in the bone marrow during the process of erythropoiesis from erythrocyte precursor cells.

Ribosomes and mitochondria are preserved in the cytoplasm of the reticulocyte, thanks to which hemoglobin is synthesized. As the reticulocyte matures, it loses its organelles and becomes a mature red blood cell.

Reticulocytes make up about 1% of the total number of red blood cells in the blood of a healthy person. An increased level of reticulocytes is observed in various blood diseases accompanied by regenerative anemia, as well as after blood loss or hemolytic anemia.

Reticulocyte counting is used to assess erythropoiesis and diagnose anemia.

Reticuloid cells are blood cells of myelocytic origin that are small in size and have a round nucleus. R. begin to form during the period of recovery from infections or toxic effects. R.'s predecessors are normoblasts. Spherocytes (small normal red blood cells) are formed from reduced hemoglobin under the influence of a number of factors - mucopolysaccharides, heparin, adrenaline, etc.