Basophils (BASO, basophils) belong to leukocytes, or white blood cells, whose task is primarily to defend the body. The amount of basophils is one of the basic parameters reported in the blood count results, sometimes their value is marked with the abbreviation BASO. It is worth finding out what exactly basophils are, as evidenced by their low or high levels, and the function of basophils.

What are basophils?

Basophils( BASO ,Basophils ) are produced and then mature in the marrow bone. They are round cells with a segmented nucleus and a full granular cytoplasm, which in turn contain histamine, heparin and serotonin.

In the degranulation process, these substances are released from the cell after basophil activation, most often by immunoglobulin E.

Histamine dilates blood vessels, increases their permeability and participates in hypersensitivity reactions, i.e. allergies, heparin, in turn, reduces blood clotting. In addition to releasing granularity, basophils also have the ability to phagocytosis, i.e. devour pathogens.

Neutrophils a few hours after getting from the marrow into the blood leave the vessels and live under the epithelium of the digestive and respiratory systems, where they perform functions similar to those in circulation, i.e. they are responsible for allergic reactions.

Basophils - morphology

The number of basophils may vary depending on:

  • ages,
  • gender,
  • illnesses,
  • general he alth,
  • many other factors.

A single incorrect result is usually nothing to worry about, especially if the deviation is small.

Basophils - norms

Physiologicallythe number of basophils ranges from 0 to 300 cells per microliter of blood , and the percentagethey are less than 1% of leukocytes , the values ​​also vary to a small extent depending on the laboratory conducting the test.

Basophils below normal

Low basophil levelhappens rarely and most oftenis not harmful to he alth , especially if it is not accompanied by any ailments and the rest blood results, especially those showing the status of other leukocyte groups, are normal.

Leukocyte evaluation parameters are the number and percentage of granulocytes:

  • neutrophils,
  • eosinophils,
  • monocytes.

Low basophils

The reason for the reduced amount of basophils may be, for example :

  • stress,
  • infections,
  • chemotherapy.

and medications:

  • antibiotics,
  • antiepileptic drugs,
  • antidepressants.

Elevated basophils

Increased basophils are called basophils and can be seen in:

  • hematological diseases - leukemias and polycythemia vera,
  • when allergy symptoms worsen,
  • as an insignificant side effect of some drugs (e.g. glucocorticosteroids used in, for example, rheumatic diseases),
  • hormonal disorders - diseases of the thyroid gland or diseases of the adrenal glands,
  • during and after infections, e.g. in pneumonia, tuberculosis.

Basophils above normal

Basophils above the norm, as in the case of lowering their number, are usually not dangerous.

Excess basophils are always assessed in conjunction with any symptoms present and other laboratory findings.

If their amount remains above the norm, but this is the only deviation in the research, the condition does not require further treatment, and even control is not always necessary.

About the authorBow. Maciej GrymuzaA graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of K. Marcinkowski in Poznań. He graduated from university with an over good result. Currently, he is a doctor in the field of cardiology and a doctoral student. He is particularly interested in invasive cardiology and implantable devices (stimulators).

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