The cytoplasm contains prominent azurphilic granules. Some of the features, including the abundant cytoplasm overlap with those of reactive lymphocytes. These cells are a normal component of peripheral blood lymphocytes but they may be increased in reactive conditions. Lymphoproliferative disorders involving these cells also occur. Its abundant lightly basophilic cytoplasm, loosely condensed chromatin pattern, and indistinct nucleoli are all features of a Downey type III lymphocyte.
Granules are present within the cytoplasm.
However they are not as prominent as those typically seen in a large granular lymphocyte. In addition, the other reactive features in this cell are not prominent in large granular lymphocytes. The abundant pale cytoplasm, loosely condensed chromatin pattern and indistinct nucleoli are features of a reactive lymphocyte. These features do not support classification as a normal lymphocyte. This cell has features of a Downey type III lymphocyte or immunoblast including abundant basophilic cytoplasm, loosely condensed chromatin and the presence of nucleoli.