PMN granulocyte

(noun)

A type of phagocyte that contains PMN granules, most notably neutrophils and mast cells, but also basophiles and eosinophils.

Related Terms

Examples of PMN granulocyte in the following topics:

  • Phagocytes

    • Mature monocytes have large, smooth, lobed nuclei and an abundant cytoplasm that contains granules, but are not technically considered granulocytes.
    • Mature macrophages are derived from monocytes, granulocyte stem cells, or the cell division of pre-existing macrophages.
    • Neutrophils are a type of PMN granulocyte normally found in the bloodstream.
    • Mast cells are PMN granulocytes with toll-like receptors that tend to trigger inflammatory responses.
    • Monocytes differentiate into dendritic cells and macrophages, while mast cells and neutrophils are in a separate group of PMN granuolcytes as well.

  • Types of WBCs

    • A major distinguishing feature is the presence of granules; white blood cells are often characterized as granulocytes or agranulocytes.
    • Granulocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, are characterized by stained granules within their cytoplasm under a microscope.
    • Granulocytes contain toll-like receptors that allow them to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS).
    • There are four types of granulocytes:
    • Distinguish between the two major types of leukocytes (white blood cells): granulocytes and agranulocytes

  • Immunodeficiencies

    • Granulocyte deficiency referes to decreased numbers of granulocytes (called granulocytopenia or, if absent, agranulocytosis) such as of neutrophil granulocytes (termed neutropenia).
    • Granulocyte deficiencies also include decreased function of individual granulocytes, such as in chronic granulomatous disease.
    • Asplenia is a granulocyte deficiency in which the spleen does not function.
    • There are over 80 recognised primary immunodeficiency syndromes—generally grouped by the part of the immune system that is malfunctioning, such as lymphocytes or granulocytes.

  • Growth Factors

    • An example is granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a growth factor that stimulates the production of white blood cells.

  • Development of Blood

    • Myelocytes, which include granulocytes, megakaryocytes, and macrophages, are derived from common myeloid progenitors and are involved in such diverse roles as innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and blood clotting.
    • Red and white blood cell production is regulated with great precision in healthy humans, and the production of granulocytes is rapidly increased during infection.

  • WBC Function

    • This process is performed by granulocytes like neutrophils.

  • Medical Uses of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

  • Development of Blood and Blood Vessels

    • Hematopoietic stem cells can of course undergo self-renewal, and are multipotent cells that give rise to erythrocytes (red blood cells), megakaryocytes/platelets, mast cells, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, monocyte/macrophage, and granulocytes.

  • WBC Formation

    • This diverse group differentiates into granulocytes and monocytes.