Azurophilic granule
| Azurophilic granule | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Granulum azurophilum |
| Code |
TH H2.00.04.1.02011 TH H2.00.04.1.02014 |
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Anatomical terminology
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An azurophilic granule is a cellular object readily stainable with a Romanowsky stain. In white blood cells and hyperchromatin, staining imparts a burgundy or merlot coloration. Neutrophils in particular are known for containing azurophils loaded with a wide variety of anti-microbial defensins that fuse with phagocytic vacuoles. Azurophils may contain myeloperoxidase, phospholipase A2, acid hydrolases, elastase, defensins, neutral serine proteases, bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein,lysozyme, cathepsin G, proteinase 3, and proteoglycans.
Azurophil granules are also known as "primary granules".
Furthermore, the term "azurophils" may refer to a unique type of cells, identified only in reptiles. These cells are similar in size to so-called heterophils with abundant cytoplasm that is finely to coarsely granular and may sometimes contain vacuoles. Granules may impart a purplish hue to the cytoplasm, particularly to the outer region. Occasionally, azurophils are observed with vacuolated cytoplasm.
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