Morfologie en functie van basofiele granulocyten

Basophilic granulocytes represent only about 0.5% of the leukocyte population in human peripheral blood. The basophil is a unique cell type in peripheral blood due to the presence of histamine stored in granules and the large number of high affinity Fc receptors for immunoglobuline E (IgE). After binding of allergens, such as house-dust mite or grass pollen, to IgE on the basophils these cells, like the tissue-bound mast cells, release histamine. In addition to histamine, the basophils release other inflammatory mediators, such as leukotriene C4 and cytokines, such as IL-4. During allergic reactions basophils migrate towards the inflammatory tissue site. Basophils as well as their products have been located in affected allergic inflammatory sites, such as skin, nose and lungs. The properties of human basophils have led to the postulate that basophils are important circulating effector cells of allergic reactions.