What are the granulocytes that contain cytoplasmic granules taking up the acidic (red) component of Wright's stain called?
The granulocytes that contain cytoplasmic granules taking up the acidic (red) component of Wright's stain are called eosinophils.
Understanding Eosinophils
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell, specifically a granulocyte, that play a role in the immune response against parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Their cytoplasmic granules contain substances that take up the red or acidic component of Wright's stain, resulting in a characteristic reddish appearance when viewed under a microscope.
Wright's stain is a commonly used staining technique in hematology to differentiate and visualize different types of blood cells. It consists of a mixture of acidic and basic dyes that selectively stain different components of cells. Eosinophils stand out due to their ability to take up the acidic (red) component of the stain, distinguishing them from other types of granulocytes.
The other types of granulocytes are neutrophils and basophils. While neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells, their granules do not take up the acidic or basic component of Wright's stain. On the other hand, basophils contain cytoplasmic granules that take up the basic (blue) component of the stain.
In summary, the granulocytes that take up the acidic (red) component of Wright's stain are known as eosinophils, highlighting their unique characteristics and function in the immune system.