Basophilic Disorders
Basophils account for less than 3% of the circulating leukocytes (0 to 300 basophils per microliter of blood). These cells have some role in immune surveillance and wound repair. Basophils can release histamine and other mediators and play a role in the initiation of allergic reactions. A decrease in the number of basophils (basopenia) can occur asa response to thyrotoxicosis, acute hypersensitivity reactions, and infections. An increase in the number’of basophils (basophiha) can be seen in people with hypothyroidism. In the
myeloproliferative disorders (for example, polycythemia vera and myelotlbrosis), a marked increase in the number of basophils can occur.