Specific granules

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Specific granules are a secretory vesicles found exclusively in cells of the immune system called granulocytes. They are also known as secondary granules. These granules store a mixture of cytotoxic molecules, including many enzymes and antimicrobial peptides, that are released by a process called degranulation following activation of the granulocyte by an immune stimulus.

Examples of cytotoxic molecule stored by specific granules in different granulocytes include:

• Neutrophil: alkaline phosphatase, lactoferrin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase

• Eosinophil: cathepsin, major basic protein

• Basophil: heparin, histamine

[edit] External links

• Neutrophil granules at sav.sk