Basophils are specific blood cells that are produced by the hematopoietic granulocyte germ. Basophils are included in the category of granulocytes. From the bone marrow, they enter the bloodstream and are in free circulation for three to four hours, after which they are introduced into the tissues where they live for 10-12 days. There are few basophils, their percentage in the blood is 0.5-1.0%, accurate counting is possible with a white blood cell analysis.
Basophil function
If basophils are elevated, this means that the inflammatory process has begun in the body. An increase in basophil levels is considered an important diagnostic criterion. Once in the focus of inflammation, basophils open up and begin to secrete active substances: heparin, histamine and serotonin. The function of basophils is focused on an immediate response, for example, in the case of anaphylactic shock. But in conjunction with lymphocytes, basophils can also participate in slow reactions. If basophils are constantly elevated, this state of the body is called basophilia. In an adult, their level can reach up to 2-3% and this is not a concern, but if the level rises further, it should be urgently examined to diagnose the disease. It must be remembered that basophils are activated during any allergic reaction of the body. In addition, basophilia is a sure sign of a circulatory system disease in acute leukemia, polycetimia and chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Cell interaction
The percentage of basophils increases while taking hormonal drugs. Hemolytic anemia is also accompanied by basophilia. But if lymphocytes and basophils are elevated , then this is most likely a mixed process, when the body's immune system is affected in acute inflammation. In this case, there is a systematic interaction of cells aimed at eliminating harmful agents. The same thing happens when basophils and monocytes are elevated simultaneously. Cells combine to solve a common problem. Unlike fast-reacting basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in their actions are measured, because their purpose is to participate in the processes taking place in the body's immune system. If the level of monocytes and lymphocytes increases, basophils will also be elevated. However, the direction of action of the cells is different. Immunity is responsible for neutralizing and counteracting harmful external agents, bacteria, viruses, parasitic antigens.
Antigen destruction
Phagocytosis and antibody production occur. Granulocytes are involved in the process, including basophils and neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. The quantitative content of cells shows a normal blood test. The main phagocytic cells are monocytes. They are produced in the bone marrow and then located in local areas attacked by antigens. At this stage, lymphocytes that produce antibodies begin to interact with monocytes. This function lies on group B lymphocytes. Directly destroy T-lymphocyte antigens. But the most effective antigen neutralizers are 0-lymphocytes, which detect and destroy absolutely all harmful agents. In the case when monocytes, lymphocytes and basophils are elevated, the tumor process is most likely in the body.
Monocytosis
Monocytes are qualified separately. With an increase in their number, absolute or relative monocytosis begins, depending on the severity of the disease. A low level of leukocytes and neutrophils characterizes relative monocytosis. Active inflammatory processes or purulent infections are absolute monocytosis. Monocytosis in any form suggests that the stimulation of tissue macrophage production has entered the active phase.