Basophils of Animals
Basophils cells are found in the blood in lower concentration. They have irregular shaped nucleus and the granules are stained blue by the basic dye of Leishman’s stain. They originate in the bone marrow and have slight or no phagocytosis.
Extravascularly, basophils enlarge and become tissue mast cells. Both basophils and mast cells release heparin (anticoagulant)‚ and vasodilator substances histamine, serotonin and bradykinins. These vasodilators causes increased blood flow and reddish colour (hyperemia) at the site of infection followed by increased permeability of the plasma and proteins from the blood vessels, a process called inflammation. Basophils and mast cells have receptors for immunoglobin E.
Abnormalities in Basophils
Basophilia
Basophilia is the increase in basophils, and it is seen in allergic conditions and hematological malignancies.