Azurofiilinen

Azurofiilinen refers to a characteristic found in certain cells, particularly in the cytoplasm of white blood cells. Specifically, it describes the affinity of granules within the cytoplasm for both acidic and basic dyes. This dual staining property means that azurophilic granules take up color from both types of stains, resulting in a purplish or reddish-purple hue under a microscope.

These granules are a prominent feature of azurophils, which are a type of granulocyte. They are known to contain various enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase and lysozyme, which play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against microorganisms. The presence and appearance of azurophilic granules are important diagnostic indicators in hematology. For instance, their abnormal size, number, or distribution can suggest certain hematological disorders, including leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Understanding the azurophilic nature of cellular granules helps in the accurate identification and classification of blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.