Basophil functions

Medzhitov R Basophils function as antigen-presenting cells for an allergen-induced T-helper type 2 d 1 response. Nat Immunol 2009 10 713-720. 

In the last part of this study, subjects were followed for up to one year after their final dose of E25 to examine restoration of serum IgE levels, basophil phenotype, and basophil function (68). As previously noted, due to the dosage reduction introduced in the latter half of infusions, basophil function was nearly restored, with only a slight rise in circulating free IgE and basophil receptor numbers by the last day of infusion. Diuing the first 8 weeks post-treatment, free IgE levels rose nearly fivefold, while basophil surface IgE and EceRIa rose 2.7-fold and 2-fold, respectively (Fig. 3). 

White Blood Cells. White blood cells, or leukocytes, have varying function and morphology. Mononuclear leukocytes include lymphocyte B and T-ceUs, monocytes, and progenitor cells. Polynuclear granulocytes include neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. The most important groups in cell separation are lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes. 

Fig. 4. Regulatory T-cell functions suppression of DCs that support the generation of effector T cells suppression of ThI, Th2, and ThI 7 cells suppression of allergen-specific IgE and induction of lgG4, IgA, or both suppression of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils interaction with resident tissue cells and remodeling, and suppression of effectorT-cell migration to tissues. 

Heparin is biosynthesized and stored (probably as a complex with histamine and other basic species) in basophilic granules of mast cells of many animal tissues. (Mast cells, whose function remains largely obscure, are located in connective tissues, near the capillaries, and in the walls of blood vessels.10 28 27)... 

Discuss the major functions of each of the five types of leukocytes neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes... 

Basophils are the least abundant of the leukocytes and account for less than 1% of the total number of white blood cells. They are similar structurally and functionally to the mast cells found in connective tissues, especially in the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Basophils and mast cells play an important role in allergic reactions. The granules of these cells contain many substances, including ... 

Cyclosporine demonstrates immunosuppressive activity by inhibiting the first phase of T-cell activation. It also inhibits release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, basophils, and polymorphonuclear cells. It is used in the treatment of both cutaneous and arthritis manifestations of severe psoriasis. The usual dose is between 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses. Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypertension, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, alterations in liver function tests, elevations of serum lipids, GI intolerance, paresthesias, hypertrichosis, and gingival hyperplasia. Cumulative treatment for more than 2 years may increase the risk of malignancy, including skin cancers and lymphoproliferative disorders. 

These polymorphs are divided into three subgroups by virtue of the staining properties of their cytoplasmic contents when treated with dye mixtures. Thus, eosinophils stain with acid dyes such as eosin and appear red in stained blood films, basophils stain with basic dyes and appear blue whilst neutrophils stain with both types of dye and their cytoplasm appears purple. The differences between the cytoplasmic contents in these cells types is much more fundamental than is suggested by these simple staining properties. The granules of basophils, neutrophils and eosinophils contain distinct molecular constituents that confer upon the cells their specialised functions during infection and inflammation. 

In addition to its effects on haematopoietic cells, GM-CSF can also affect the function of mature cells. GM-CSF treatment increases the survival, cytotoxicity and eicosanoid formation by eosinophils, and can increase the tu-mouricidal activity, cytokine expression, surface antigen expression and oxidative metabolism of macrophages. It is chemotactic for endothelial cells, can induce the proliferation of some tumour cells, stimulates histamine release from basophils and affects the viability and function of Langerhans cells. Its effects on mature neutrophils are described in 7.2.1, 7.3.4. 

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