Granulocytic cells
The granulocytes are classified as Neutrophils, Eosinophils and Basophils on the basis of cellular morphology and cytoplasmic staining characteristics.
a) Neutrophils:
- It has a multi-lobed nucleus & granulated cytoplasm that stains with both acid & basic dyes.
- It is often called a "Poly-morphonuclear leukocyte'(PMN)
- These are produced by hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, which are released into the tissues, where they have a life span of only a few days.
- Movement of circulating neutrophils into tissues called "Extravasation".
- The neutrophils contains primary & Secondary granules:
Larger, denser primary granules
Peroxidase, Lysozyme, Various hydrolytic enzymes
Smaller, secondary granules
Collagenase, Lactofemn & Lysozyme
- Both primary & secondary granules are fuse with phagosomes.
- The cells exhibit a larger "Respiratory Burst" than macrophages & express higher levels of "defensins" than macrophages do.
b) Eosinophils:
- The cells are motile phagocytic cells that can migrate from the blood into the tissue spaces.
- It has a bi-lobes nucleus & a granulated cytoplasm that stains with the acid dye "Eosin" red (hence its name).
- Play a significant role like phagocytic role like macrophages.
- The secreted contents of eosinophilic granules may damage the parasite membrane.
c) Basophils:
- It has a lobed nucleus and heavily granulated cytoplasm that stains with the basic dye "methylene Blue".
- These are nonophagocytic granulocytes, which release pharmacologically active substances from their cytoplasmic granules. These substances play a major role in certain "Allergic responses".