*3.1.5 Basophils*

A type of white blood cell containing granules that stain with basic dyes. Basophils are non-phagocytic granulocytes. In response to binding of circulating antibodies, basophils release their contents including histamine which cause smooth muscle contraction in asthmatic airways as well as increasing blood permeability which may account for edema of the airways in asthma and inflammation [17, 18]. Basophils and mast cells release mediators of immediate hypersensitivity, e.g., histamine. Basophils are present in the blood stream, whereas mast cells are present only in the tissue.
