Basophils functional consequences

One question that has never been properly answered is What is the biological function of CVF in cobra venom Cobra venom factor in purified form can be considered nontoxic. When introduced into the bloodstream of an animal, complement activation with consumption of complement component occurs (41). Intravascular complement activation may have some side effects, such as sequestration of neutrophils to the lungs with subsequent injury to lung tissue (42). However, unless massive amounts of CVF are administered i.v., the consequences of intravascular complement activation by CVF are insignificant compared with the toxic effects of the other venom components, particularly the neurotoxins and membrane toxins. It appears, therefore, that local complement activation at the site of venom injection into the prey animal may be the beneficial effect of CVF for the cobra. Local complement activation by CVF will release the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a which, in turn, will cause the degranulation of mast cells and basophils, with subsequent increase of the vascular permeability. The increased vascular permeability locally at the site of venom... 

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