  In this work we prove occurrence of a super-critical Hopf bifurcation in a
model of white blood cell formation structured by three maturation stages. We
provide an explicit analytical expression for the bifurcation point depending
on model parameters. The Hopf bifurcation is a unique feature of the
multi-compartment structure as it does not exist in the corresponding
two-compartment model. It appears for a parameter set different from the
parameters identified for healthy hematopoiesis and requires changes in at
least two cell properties. Model analysis allows identifying a range of
biologically plausible parameter sets that can explain persistent oscillations
of white blood cell counts observed in some hematopoietic diseases. Relating
the identified parameter sets to recent experimental and clinical findings
provides insights into the pathological mechanisms leading to oscillating blood
cell counts.
