basófilos

Basophils are a type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, that play a role in the immune system. They are granulocytes, meaning their cytoplasm contains granules filled with various chemicals. Basophils are the least common type of granulocyte, making up less than 1% of circulating white blood cells. These cells are characterized by large, dark purple granules that often obscure the nucleus.

The granules within basophils contain histamine, heparin, and other inflammatory mediators. Histamine is a key component of allergic reactions and inflammation, causing vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. Heparin is an anticoagulant. When activated, basophils release these granules, contributing to the inflammatory response and helping to recruit other immune cells to sites of infection or injury.

Basophils are thought to be involved in defending against parasites and in mediating immediate hypersensitivity reactions, such as those seen in allergies. Their precise function is still an area of ongoing research. They circulate in the blood but can also migrate into tissues, where they may differentiate into mast cells, which are similar in function but reside in tissues rather than circulating.