Basophils: Understanding Normal Value, Functions & More

Basophils make up less than 3% of all white blood cells. Increased or decreased basophil levels may indicate inflammation, hyperthyroidism, or another medical problem. Doctors may conduct basophil-level testing to aid in the diagnosis of certain health issues.

What are basophils?

Basophils are white blood cells that play an important role in the immune system. They are involved in allergic reactions, inflammation, and defence against parasites.

Basophils are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when the body needs them. Basophils can also be found in tissues throughout the body, such as the skin, lungs, and intestines. When basophils encounter an allergen, they release histamine and other chemicals. 

What Is the Function of Basophils?

There are several important Basophils functions, including:

• Mediating allergic reactions: Basophils contain histamine, a chemical that plays a major role in allergic reactions. 
• Promoting inflammation: Basophils can release chemicals that promote inflammation.
• Defending against parasites: Basophils can release chemicals that kill parasites or make it easier for other immune cells to kill parasites.

What enzymes do basophils release?

Basophils release two enzymes: histamine and heparin.

Histamine is a vasodilator, which means that it widens blood vessels. This increases blood flow to the site of an infection or allergic reaction, which helps to bring immune cells and other healing factors to the area. Histamine also increases blood vessels' permeability, allowing fluid and immune cells to leak out of the bloodstream and into the surrounding tissues. This helps to fight infection and promote healing.

Heparin is an anticoagulant which prevents blood clots from forming. This is important because blood clots can block blood vessels and damage tissue. Heparin also helps prevent infection by trapping bacteria and other pathogens in the blood vessels.

Where are basophils located?

Basophils are particularly abundant in tissues involved in allergic reactions, such as the skin and lungs. Basophils are also found in the bone marrow, where they are produced. Once mature, basophils are released into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.

What do basophils look like?

Basophils are spherical white blood cells about 12-15 micrometres in diameter. They have a single, irregularly shaped nucleus and purple-black granules that fill their cytoplasm. The granules contain histamine, heparin, and other chemicals that basophils release in response to allergens, parasites, and other threats.

Under a microscope, basophils appear as dark-staining cells with a granular appearance. The granules often obscure the nucleus, but it may be visible as a small, light-coloured area in the centre of the cell.

How many basophils are in my body?

There are approximately 0-300 basophils per microliter of blood in a healthy adult. This means that there are approximately 0.01-0.15 basophils in your body. However, the number of basophils in your body can vary depending on age, sex, and overall health.

What are the common conditions that affect basophils?

The following are some common conditions that affect basophils:

• Allergic diseases: 

Basophils are involved in developing and progressing allergic diseases, such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema.

• Autoimmune diseases: 

Basophils may play a role in developing and progressing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The body's immune system attacks its tissues and organs in autoimmune diseases. Basophils can release chemicals that promote inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.

• Parasitic infections: 

Basophils are involved in the defence against parasitic infections, such as malaria and schistosomiasis. When the body is infected with a parasite, basophils can release chemicals that kill the parasite or make it easier for other immune cells to kill the parasite.

• Cancer: 

Basophils can help to identify and destroy tumour cells. However, in some cases, basophils may also contribute to the growth and spread of cancer. For example, basophils can release chemicals that promote angiogenesis the growth of new blood vessels, which can help tumors to grow and spread.

What are the common symptoms of basophil conditions?

The symptoms of basophil conditions can vary depending on the underlying condition. However, some common symptoms of basophil conditions include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Itching
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Swollen joints
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing

People with basophil conditions may also experience:

• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Easy bruising
• Excessive bleeding
• Recurrent infections

What are common tests to check the health of my basophil cells?

The following are some common tests to check the health of your basophil cells:

Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC is a routine blood test that measures the number of different types of blood cells, including basophils. A high or low basophil count may indicate a basophil condition.

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm to perform a CBC. The blood is then placed in a machine that counts the different types of blood cells.

Basophil activation test (BAT)

A BAT measures the level of histamine and other chemicals released from basophils in response to an allergen. This test can diagnose allergic diseases and monitor the effectiveness of allergy treatment.

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm to perform a BAT. The blood is then mixed with different allergens. The level of histamine and other chemicals released from the basophils is then measured.

Bone marrow biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed from the hip bone. The sample is then examined under a microscope for abnormalities in the blood cells, including basophils.

A needle is inserted into the hip bone to perform a bone marrow biopsy. A small sample of bone marrow is then removed and placed on a slide. The slide is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

What’s the normal range for basophils?

The normal range for basophils is 0-300 basophils per microliter of blood in adults. However, the basophil's normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory performing the test.

If your basophil count is outside the normal range of basophil, it may indicate a basophil condition. Allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, parasitic infections, or cancer may cause high basophil counts (basophilia). Certain medications, stress, or pregnancy

may cause low basophil counts (basopenia).

What causes your basophil count to be too high?

A high basophil count, also known as basophilia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Allergic diseases, such as asthma and eczema
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Parasitic infections, such as malaria.
• Cancer, such as leukaemia.
• Medications, such as corticosteroids and antibiotics.
• Stress
• Pregnancy

What can cause your basophil level to be too low?

A low basophil count, also known as basopenia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics, can reduce the number of basophils in the blood.
• Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, can also cause a low basophil count.

What are common treatments for basophil conditions?

The treatment for basophil conditions depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for basophil conditions:

• Allergic diseases: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other allergy medications can be used to treat allergic diseases.
• Autoimmune diseases: Immunosuppressive medications and biologics can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Parasitic infections: Antiparasitic medications can be used to treat parasitic infections.
• Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can be used to treat cancer.

What are simple lifestyle tips to keep my basophils healthy?

Here are some simple lifestyle tips to keep your basophils healthy:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular exercise
• Manage stress
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid allergens

What is the difference between mast cells and basophil cells?

Mast cells and basophil cells are granulocytes, white blood cells containing granules filled with enzymes and other chemicals. 

Mast cells are tissue-resident cells, meaning that they are located in specific tissues throughout the body. They are particularly abundant in tissues exposed to the environment, such as the skin and the lining of the airways. Mast cells are also found near blood vessels and nerves.

Basophils are circulating cells, meaning that they are found in the bloodstream. They are less common than mast cells but can be recruited to inflamed or infected tissues.

Conclusion

Your basophil levels can only be determined by a blood test. This test is usually performed as a component of a routine blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC). If basophil counts fall outside the basophil's normal range, a basophilic condition could be the cause.

Getting the blood test performed by a reputable diagnostic laboratory like Metropolis Healthcare is essential to ensure reliable results. We can be relied upon for all your diagnostic requirements and have branches throughout India. In addition, our medical staff members are skilled, informed, and productive. For a convenient Basophil test, get in touch with us right now.