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Large granular lymphocytes are larger than resting lymphocytes, with more abundant cytoplasm.  The cytoplasm is pale blue and contains coarse azurophilic granules.  The nucleus is round to oval shaped, with condensed chromatin.  Large granular lymphocytes may be cytotoxic T cells or NK cells.  Under normal conditions, they account for 10-15% of circulating lymphocytes.  They can be increased in viral infections, autoimmune disorders, after splenectomy, after splenectomy, and in large granular lymphocytic leukemia.