Basophils are elevated - an alarming symptom

Basophils are specific blood cells that are produced by the hematopoietic granulocyte germ. Basophils are included in the category of granulocytes. From the bone marrow they enter the bloodstream and are in free circulation for three to four hours, after which they are introduced into tissues where they live for 10-12 days. Basophils are few, their percentage in the blood is 0.5-1.0%, accurate counting is possible with leukocyte analysis.

Function of basophils

If basophils are elevated, this means that the body has begun an inflammatory process. Increasing the level of basophils is considered an important criterion for diagnosis. Getting into the inflammatory focus, the basophils open and begin to release active substances: heparin, histamine and serotonin. The function of basophils is focused on immediate response, for example, in case of anaphylactic shock. But in conjunction with lymphocytes, basophils can also participate in slow reactions. If basophils are constantly elevated, this state of the body is called basophilia. In an adult, their level can reach up to 2-3% and this is not a concern, but if the level goes up, it should be urgently examined to diagnose the disease. It should be remembered that basophils are activated at any allergic reaction of the body. In addition, basophilia is a sure sign of circulatory system diseases in acute leukemia, polycethemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Interaction of cells

The percentage of basophil content increases during the intake of hormonal drugs. Hemolytic anemia is also accompanied by basophilia. But if lymphocytes and basophils are raised , it is most likely a mixed process, when the inflammatory system affects the immune system of the body. In this case, there is a systematic interaction of cells, aimed at eliminating harmful agents. The same happens when basophils and monocytes are elevated simultaneously. Cells are combined to solve a common problem. In contrast to the rapidly reacting basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in their actions differ in dimensionality, since their purpose is reduced to participation in processes occurring in the immune system of the body. If the level of monocytes and lymphocytes increases, basophils will also be raised. However, the action of the cells is different. Immunity is responsible for neutralization and counteraction to harmful external agents, bacteria, viruses, parasite-antigens.

Destruction of antigens

Phagocytosis and development of antibodies occur. In the process, granulocytes are involved, including basophils and neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. The quantitative content of cells shows an ordinary blood test. The main phagocytic cells are monocytes. They are produced in the bone marrow and then located in local areas, attacked by antigens. At this stage, lymphocytes that produce antibodies begin to interact with monocytes. This function lies on the lymphocytes of group B. Directly destroy the antigens T-lymphocytes. But the most effective antigen neutralizers are 0-lymphocytes, which detect and destroy absolutely all harmful agents. In the case when monocytes, lymphocytes and basophils are raised, the tumor process is most likely in the body.

Monocytosis

Separately, monocytes are classified. With an increase in their number, monocyte absolute or relative begins, depending on the severity of the disease. Low levels of leukocytes and neutrophils characterize relative monocytosis. Active inflammatory processes or purulent infections are absolute monocytosis. Monocytosis in any form suggests that stimulation of tissue macrophage production has entered the active phase.