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".