Dear Aspirant,

Granulocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes or polymorphonucelar neutrophils are types of  white blood cells in the innate immune system  by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. They are categorized into PMN, PML, or PMNL on the basis of their varying shapes of the nucleus. Granulocytes are produced through the process of granulopoiesis in the bone marrow. In this process, the four key transcription factors involved are C/EBPα, PU.1, CBF, and c-Myb.

The following stages are involved:

1)Pluripotential hemopoietic stem cell

2)Myeloblast

3)Promyelocyte

4)Eosino/neutro/basophilic myelocyte

5)Metamyelocyte

6)Band cell (Stab cell)

7)Granulocytes (Eosino/neutro/basophil)

There are four types of Granulocytes:

a) Neutrophils: These are found in the bloodstream. They constitute about 60-65% of the WBCs.

b) Eosinophils: These kidney shaped lobed nuclei are extremely crucial in killing parasites.

c)Basophils , the bilobed nuclei,are one of the least abundant cells in bone marrow and blood (occurring at less than two percent of all cells). The chromatin fibres present in them aren't very visible.

d)Mast cells: These cells are present in the tissues. They are involved in auto-immunity and inflammation.

The absence of granulocytes can lead to granulocytopenia which is the abnormally low concentration of granulocytes in the blood. The absence of granulocytes which are involved in the resistance to infections can lead to increased vulnerability to infections. For such patients, they do the transfusion of granulocytes as a therapeutic intervention. However, since the life span of the granulocytes particularly in the spleen is short-lived, this is not a long term benefit and there can be side-complications caused.

Hope this helps! All the best.

Hello Aspirant,

The term granulocyte is defined as a type of white blood cell which is filled with granules of microscopic size, the little sacs having enzymes which helps in digestion of microorganisms. Basically, granulocyte is the part of our immune system and they perform broad based activity. These granulocytes do not respond to specific antigens.

Hello!!

Granulocytes are white blood cells that have small granules or particles. These granules contain numerous proteins that are responsible for helping the immune system fight off viruses and bacteria. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are three types ofgranulocytes. Granulocytes form and mature in the bone marrow.

Thank you!!