development is a gradual transition (as noted in ASCP terminology--they are listed from
the most immature to mature cells) and six different stages can be identified. The
nomenclature used to describe red blood cells is recommended by the American
Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Medical Association. The terms with
some of their synonyms are as follows:
ASCP Terminology
Synonyms
Rubriblast
Pronormoblast
Prorubricyte
Basophilic normoblast
Rubricyte
Polychromatophilic normoblast
Metarubricyte
Orthochromatic normoblast
Diffusely basophilic erythrocyte
Polychromatic erythrocyte
Erythrocyte
Normocyte
b. Erythropoiesis is regulated by the intake of substances to build the cells, the
storage of these substances, and their proper utilization. When normal erythropoiesis
occurs, both the cytoplasm and the nuclei of the cells grow at a synchronized rate.
Individual differences in physiology and physical structure of the erythrocyte account for
minor morphological changes so often encountered. In certain diseases, these
morphological changes may vary to a greater extent. These variations occur in size,
shape, staining, and inclusions in the erythrocyte.
4-4.
ERYTHROCYTIC SERIES
a. Rubriblast. (See figure 4-1, Erythrocytes series, a through f).
Figure 4-1a. Erythrocytes series: Rubriblast.
Size. Fourteen to 19 microns in diameter.
(1)
(2) Nucleus. This cell has a large round-to-oval purple nucleus that
occupies most of the cell. The nuclear chromatin is arranged in a close mesh network
forming a reticular appearance. There are 0-2 light blue nucleoli present within the
nucleus.
MD0853
4-3
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