Because neutrophils are the most common white blood cell, neutropenia also is used to describe low white cell counts. Given that it is a symptom in and of itself, leukopenia can be accompanied by a myriad of other signs depending on what the underlying cause is. Understanding the role of lymphocytes in your body clarifies the meaning of a low lymphocyte count on your blood test. Sometimes a low white blood cell count is something you are born with (a genetic condition), which may or may not be a cause for concern. Gestating and postpartum females were captured in the field and held in the laboratory for 4 weeks. A white blood cell count of less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood is considered low. (White blood cells are one of the major cell types of the immune system.) There are many causes of neutropenia, and some medications can lead to this problem. After observing an overproduction of white blood cells in residents, they performed an experiment on mice, whose white-blood-cell counts responded similarly to stress … This can lead to a low white blood cell count, and this reduction can reach problematic levels if the destruction occurs faster than replenishment. A white blood cell. Plasma corticosterone and progesterone concentrations and white blood cell counts were examined in blood samples taken at capture and after 24 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks in captivity. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells, and your blood test will also include a value for your total white blood cell count. A low WBC count is referred to medically as leukopenia. When you have a low level of neutrophils, the condition is known as neutropenia. In addition, stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes — the white blood cells that help fight off infection. WBCs, which are produced in the bone marrow, are an important part of your immune system and your body’s natural weapon to fight off bacteria, viruses and other germs. Numerous diseases or situations can cause lower production or increase destruction of white blood cells -- including radiation, chemotherapy, cancer, some genetic conditions, autoimmune disorders and certain medications. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are the warriors of the immune system.Mostly produced by bone marrow, white blood cell count will initially rise when the body is attacked by a disease.If the infection is overwhelming, however, white blood cells may be consumed faster than they can be released, leading to a low count. ANSWER: A low white blood cell count almost always is related to a decrease in a type of infection-fighting white blood cell called neutrophils. While most types of exercise boost your white blood cell count, in some cases, a low white blood cell count in athletes, especially endurance athletes, may occur. A low white blood cell (WBC) count is a decreased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood. A complete blood cell count will include a leukogram, which will measure the number of each type of white blood cell. It will also measure red blood cells and platelets. The men were then subjected to a period of extreme sleep deprivation, … Symptoms of Low White Blood Cell Count.