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What is Hemopoiesis?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Hemopoiesis, or hematopoiesis, is the process by which new blood cells are formed. Bone marrow, the tissue inside bones, is one of the most active organs in the body, and is the site where red blood cells, the majority of white blood cells, and platelets are produced. In children, the marrow inside all of the bones makes blood cells, while in adults the marrow in the long bones of the arms and legs is mostly inactive. Only about a quarter of the marrow is involved in making red blood cells because they have a longer life span than white blood cells and require replacing less often. Alternative spellings of hemopoiesis and hematopoiesis, used mainly in UK English, are haemopoiesis and haematopoiesis.

Inside the bone marrow, cells called hematopoietic stem cells are able to produce all the different types of blood cells. Initially, they form either lymphoid stem cells or myeloid stem cells. Lymphoid stem cells migrate to the spleen, lymph nodes and thymus and go on to produce lymphocytes, which are white blood cells involved in the immune system's response to infection. Myeloid stem cells develop into red blood cells, which carry oxygen, and white blood cells known as granulocytes, megakaryocytes and monocytes. Granulocytes and monocytes help fight off infection, while megakaryocytes break into fragments to form platelets, which are involved in blood clotting.

Damage to hematopoietic cells may be caused by genetic conditions that are present at birth.
Damage to hematopoietic cells may be caused by genetic conditions that are present at birth.

Regulation of hemopoiesis is normally very precise, in order to maintain normal levels of blood cells in the circulation. Red blood cells generally live for around 120 days, and platelets for about ten, while white blood cells may survive for only a few days or even several hours. When infection occurs, the production of white blood cells increases dramatically, while an episode of bleeding causes more platelets to be formed. Red blood cell production is regulated by a hormone called erythropoietin, which is produced in the kidneys. There are normally around 5 million red blood cells per microliter in the average adult circulation, and more will be formed in conditions of low oxygen.

Symptoms of bone marrow failure include tiredness.
Symptoms of bone marrow failure include tiredness.

Sometimes bone marrow can fail, affecting hemopoiesis and resulting in decreased production of all blood cells or only certain lines. Damage to hematopoietic cells may be caused by genetic conditions present at birth, viruses such as hepatitis B, exposure to radiation and certain drugs. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can prevent blood cells from maturing properly, and some cancers, such as lymphoma, may infiltrate the bone marrow. Common symptoms of bone marrow failure include tiredness, weakness, recurrent infections and excessive bruising and bleeding. Treatments vary according to the cause, but often a bone marrow transplant is required from a suitable donor.

Discussion Comments

Nefertini
@Ceptorbi - Iron and vitamin B12 along with folate play important roles in erythropoiesis. A lack of iron in the diet can cause iron-deficiency anemia which involves a lack of hemoglobin to carry oxygen through the blood. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, weakness, paleness, dizziness, brittle nails, and shortness of breath. Causes of iron-deficiency anemia include blood loss, lack of iron in the diet, and an inability to absorb iron. A vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency include dizziness, weakness, bruising or bleeding, and stomach upset including constipation and diarrhea. If the deficiency continues untreated, it can also cause nerve damage. Vegetarians are prone to this deficiency since vitamin B12 is typically consumed in animal products like meat and poultry or eggs and milk.

Folate-deficiency anemia occurs when the blood lacks folate or folic acid, a type of B vitamin. This type of anemia results in enlarged red blood cells. Causes include eating undercooked food, dietary lack of the vitamin, alcoholism, and some medications. Symptoms are headache, paleness, tiredness, and mouth or tongue soreness.

Ceptorbi

What nutrients help with erythropoiesis, and are there any nutritional deficiencies that could negatively affect the process?

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    • Damage to hematopoietic cells may be caused by genetic conditions that are present at birth.
      By: Dalia Drulia
      Damage to hematopoietic cells may be caused by genetic conditions that are present at birth.
    • Symptoms of bone marrow failure include tiredness.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Symptoms of bone marrow failure include tiredness.
    • Symptoms of bone marrow failure include excessive bruising.
      By: diego cervo
      Symptoms of bone marrow failure include excessive bruising.
    • Red blood cells are produced in bone marrow.
      By: Dmitry Sunagatov
      Red blood cells are produced in bone marrow.