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Blood cells

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes are classed as neutrophils, basophils and oesinophils.

Neutrophils
  • Polysegmented nuclei (hypersegmented in B12/folate deficiency)
  • Clear cytoplasm with fine granules (contain elastase, protease, A1AT, lysosyme, lactoferrin)
  • Close relation with acute inflammation
Basophils
  • Unlobulated or bilobate nuclei
  • Granules contain histamine, eosinophil chemotactic factor, slow-releasing substance of anaphylaxis
  • Close relation with allergic reactions/anaphylaxis
Eosinophils
  • Bilobed nuclei
  • Bright eosinophilic granules contai: major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein
  • Close relation with parasitic infections

Platelets

  • Adhese to vessel wall in presence of Von Willebrand factor leading to shape change and degranulation
  • Aggregates with contraction to form solid mass in vessel
  • Releases PGs, serotonin, TXs

 

Giant Cells

  1. Normal
    • Osteoclasts
    • Syncytiotrophoblasts
    • Megakaryocytes
    • Skeletal muscle cells
    • Oocytes
  2. Abnormal
    • Macrophage and related giant cell
    • Virus induced
    • Tumour giant cells (Reed-sternberg cells in Hodgkin's = modified B lymphocytes)
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