Basophils: Normal Range, Function, Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Basophils are the rarest type of white blood cells, forming less than 1% of circulating leukocytes. They contain granules filled with histamine and heparin, which play a crucial role in inflammation and allergic reactions. Basophils help defend the body by triggering immune responses against allergens and pathogens. Like all blood cells, basophils conjointly originate as stem cells within the bone marrow and are converted into basophils in a very method called haematopoiesis. The bone marrow releases mature basophils into the blood that is basophil's blood wherever they flow into for a couple of days and die, to get replaced by new basophils.
This Story also Contains
- What are Basophils?
- Structure of Basophils
- Functions of Basophils
- Role of Basophils in Immunity
- Normal Basophil Range
- High Basophil Count
- Low Basophil Count
- Basophils vs Eosinophils
- Basophils vs Mast Cells
- Basophils NEET MCQs
- FAQs on Basophils
Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in immune defense and allergic reactions. They release histamine and enzymes during infections and allergies. Abnormal basophil counts (high or low) are linked to disorders like inflammation, thyroid disease, and leukemia. This article talks about the structure, function, role, normal and abnormal ranges of the basophils.
What are Basophils?
Basophils are a part of the innate immune system, which suggests they attack organisms they understand as foreign to the body. Basophils are called granulocytes because they contain tiny granules that store and unleash many enzymes that facilitate fight infection. Determining the basophil count within the blood helps with the diagnosing of many blood-related conditions, and also the presence of inflammation. A diagnostic assay called the basophil activation test (BAT) is extremely correct in distinctive food, drug, or poisonous substance allergies.
Structure of Basophils
Basophils are the smallest granulocytes. Most of the basophils cells are round to angular. The nucleus contains condensed nuclear chromatin, but nucleolus is absent. The cytoplasm contains organelles like mitochondria, vesicles and granules. Basophils have a higher glycogen content in the cytoplasm, whereas these lack the plasmalemmal ridges and folds that are present in mast cells.
Functions of Basophils
Though basophils represent a minuscule share of white cells, they play a very important role within the immune responses to infectious bacteria and parasites. The main functions of basophils:
The basophil function recognises foreign organisms that invade the body.
Directly destroy and engulf foreign organisms in a very method called phagocytosis.
Release an protein called histamine that dilates the blood vessels round the injection site, which improves blood flow and promotes healing Provides alternative immune cells higher access to the infection site.
Basophils release histamine in response to allergens, and bind with an protein called immunoglobulin e (IgE) to shield the body against allergens. Histamine is the reason behind allergies like fretful skin, hives, runny nose, and watering eyes.
Release an enzyme called polysaccharide that prevents blood clotting at the injection site.
Role of Basophils in Immunity
Basophils are formed from the granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells of the bone marrow, which are then released into the peripheral blood as fully differentiated cells. The level of basophils in the blood remains maintained under normal conditions, but the number increases as a result of parasitic infections or allergies. They release histamine, heparin, and other chemicals from their granules that help trigger inflammation and increase blood flow to the site of infection. Basophils also take part in allergic reactions by attracting other immune cells like eosinophils and neutrophils.
Normal Basophil Range
The normal range of absolute basophil count is zero to three hundred microlitres. Basophils unremarkably represent simply zero .5% to a quarter of the whole white blood cell (WBC) count. The basophil blood count comes by taking the whole white cells count and scheming the proportion of basophils in them.
High Basophil Count
Abnormal basophil levels will be detected with an entire basophil blood count (CBC) test, that evaluates the composition of all blood cells. Symptoms of abnormal basophil levels rely on the underlying conditions. Abnormal basophil levels are also corrected by treating the underlying conditions.
A basophil blood count is taken into account high (basophilia) if absolutely the basophil count is higher than two hundred microlitres or the percentage is larger than a pair of. absolutely the count range thought of as normal may vary to some extent in laboratories in several places, supporting the native population.
Low Basophil Count
Low basophil count is called as basopenia, which might occur from conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and acute inflammation and infection. As a result, the basophils are not visible in blood tests once they release the enzymes to fight the infection. The hypersensitivity reaction allergic reaction could be a grievous condition which will cause severe symptoms that include:
Difficulty breathing
Low blood pressure
Lightheadedness
Vomiting
Swelling within the throat, tongue or face
Rapid heart rate
Chest tightness
Basophils vs Eosinophils
Basophils | Eosinophils |
They are responsible for allergic reactions. They release histamine which causes vasodilation. | They are inflammatory cells. They respond to allergic reaction and parasitic invasions |
Accounts for 0.5-1 % of the WBCs | Accounts for 3-5% of the WBCs |
The nucleus is bean-shaped. | The nucleus is bilobed. |
Stained in dark blue in basic stains | Stained in natural pink color. |
Basophils vs Mast Cells
Basophils | Mast Cells |
A type of immune cell that has granules with enzymes that are released during allergic reactions. | A cell filled with basophil granules, found in numbers in connective tissue and releasing histamine and other substances during inflammatory and allergic reactions. |
Mature basophils leave bone marrow | Immature mast cells leave the bone marrow |
Present in circulation | Present inside tissues |
Smaller in size | Comparatively larger |
Nucleus is lobed | Nucleus is round |
Basophils NEET MCQs
Q1. Which one of the following is correct ?
Lymph = Plasma + RBC + WBC
Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets
Plasma = Blood - Lymphocytes
Serum = Blood + Fibrinogen
Correct answer: 2) Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets
Explanation:
Components of blood -
Blood is a special connective tissue consisting of a fluid matrix, plasma, and formed elements. Erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets are collectively called formed elements and they constitute nearly 45 percent of the blood.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Blood = Plasma + RBC + WBC + Platelets.
Q2. How much percentage of blood is composed of solids
10-12%
70-80%
20-30%
90-92%
Correct answer: 1) 10-12%
Explanation:
Blood plasma is mostly made up of 90–92% water which helps in moving different substances around the body. The other 8–10% is made up of dissolved solids, including proteins like albumins and fibrinogen. These proteins play an important role in keeping fighting off infections and helping with blood clotting. The plasma also contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride along with waste products such as urea and creatinine for excretion. Some hormones and gases are also present in trace amounts along with some enzymes that help in regulating different physiological processes.
Hence, the correct option is 1) 10-12 %
Q3. Find the correct descending order of the percentage proportion of leucocytes in human blood.
Neutrophils→Basophils→Lymphocytes→Acidophils→Monocytes
Monocytes→Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Acidophils→Basophils
Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils
Lymphocytes→Neutrophils→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils
Correct answer: 3) Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils
Explanation:
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that constitutes about 2-3% of the total white blood cell count. They play an important role in the immune system, such as resisting infections, especially by parasites. In addition, eosinophils have been associated with allergic reactions because of their responses to allergens and their contribution to inflammatory processes in the body.
Hence the correct answer is Option 3) Neutrophils→Lymphocytes→Monocytes→Acidophils→Basophils.
Also Read:
FAQs on Basophils
What are basophils in blood?
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC). They belong to the group of granulocytes along with neutrophils and eosinophils. They are the least abundant WBCs in human blood, about 1%. They contain large granules filled with histamine, heparin, and other mediators. Basophils play an important role in the immune response, inflammation, and allergic reactions.
What are the main functions of basophils?
The primary functions of basophils include:
Releasing histamine to promote inflammation and increase blood vessel permeability.
Secreting heparin, which prevents blood clotting at the site of infection or injury.
Acting as mediators in immune defense by attracting other WBCs like eosinophils and neutrophils.
Contributing to the body’s defense against parasites and allergens.
What is the difference between basophils and mast cells?
- Mast cells are discharged from the bone marrow and mature within the connective tissue, whereas basophils differentiate and mature within the bone marrow only.
- Basophils are often found circulating within the body. On the opposite hand, mast cells don't flow within the body.
- Mast cells have a bigger size in comparison to the basophils.
- Basophil contains a lobed nucleus, whereas the nucleus of mast cells is spherical.
How much percentage of basophils is present in human blood?
Basophils are the least common granulocytes in the blood, normally making up only about 0.5–1% of total white blood cells. Although few in number, their potent granules make them highly significant in immune regulation and hypersensitivity reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The conditions that cause chronic inflammation associated with basophilia are listed below:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Psoriasis
Eosinophils are a sort of white vegetative cell. Most reside within the gut tissue and survive for up to many weeks. They need a job in defencive your body from:
fungal infections
bacterial infections
viral infections
parasites, like worms
Ongoing analysis continues to uncover an increasing list of roles performed by eosinophils. Nearly each systemTrusted supply of the body could trust eosinophils in a way.
- In the system, eosinophils destroy incursive germs like viruses, bacteria, or parasites, like hookworms.
- They even have a job within the inflammatory response, particularly if an allergy is concerned.
- Eosinophils considerably contribute to inflammation associated with allergies, eczema, and asthma.
Inflammation helps isolate associate degreed management the immune response at an infection web site however causes a side impact of tissue injury around it. Allergies are immune responses that always involve chronic inflammation.
Treatment of basophilic disorder focuses on fixing the underlying reason of the condition that results in modifications to basophil levels. This can possess both daily management methods, or more extensive clinical treatment, depending on the severity of the underlying situation.
The common variations between mast cells and basophils are:
- Mast cells are discharged from the bone marrow and mature within the connective tissue, whereas basophils differentiate and mature within the bone marrow only.
- Basophils are often found circulating within the body. On the opposite hand, mast cells don't flow within the body.
- Mast cells have a bigger size in comparison to the basophils.
- Basophil contains a lobed nucleus, whereas the nucleus of mast cells is spherical.
- Mast cells square measure found within the animal tissue, whereas white blood corpuscle isn't found in any tissue and keeps current.