Reticulocytes

(brilliant cresyl blue)

• These are obligatory elements of red blood cell population
• These are juvenile red blood cells of peripheral blood
• There are no nuclei
• Their cytoplasm contains remnants of ribosomes and mitochondria, which together form granular and reticular structures (reticulo-filamentous substance)

In adult persons, reticulocytes make up 1-5% of the total RBC number. A higher percentage of reticulocytes is a sign of a massive blood (RBC) loss.

Reticulocytes transform into mature red blood cells 1-2 days after their arrival to the blood stream from the bone marrow. The amount of reticulo-filamentous substance gradually decreases at the same time in the cell cytoplasm. It is no longer present in mature red blood cells.

Reticulocytes of various stages q.v. #1, #2, #3. Red blood cells q.v. #1, #2. White blood cells q.v. #1, #2.