Granulocytopenia
Neutrophils have “neutral” subtle granules;
Eosinophils have prominent granules that stain readily with the acid dye eosin; and
Basophils have prominent granules that stain readily basic (non acidic) dyes.
This classification dates back to a time when certain structures could be identified in cells by histochemistry, but the functions of these intracellular structures were still not yet fathomed. However, the classification of granulocytes into neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils is still widely used (and quite useful).
Granulocytopenia can therefore more specifically involve neutropenia (shortage of neutrophils), eosinopenia and/or basopenia. The term “neutropenia” is sometimes used interchangeably with granulocytopenia or agranulocytosis.
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