Aug

22

2021

Basophils

By William Aird

Basophil (arrow) from a normal peripheral smear. Note the dense blue-black cytoplasmic granules, some of which overlie the nucleus (100x, oil).

Basophil (arrow) from a normal peripheral smear. Note the dense blue-black cytoplasmic granules, which partially obscure the nucleus. N, neutrophil; P, platelet (100x, oil).
ParameterProperties
White cell typeBasophil
DefinitionAppearance of segmented neutrophil with coarse, dense blue-black cytoplasmic granules (varying size and shape, though typically spherical) unevenly distributed in cytoplasm and overlaying/obscuring the nucleus. The granules are larger than those of neutrophils.
Conditions associated with the cell typeMay be increased in myeloproliferative disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, hypothyroidism, renal disease and iron deficiency.
Mechanism of formationBasophils usually complete their differentiation and maturation in the bone marrow, with mature forms circulating in the bloodstream, constituting less than 1% of circulating leukocytes.
HistoryFirst identified by Paul Ehrlich in 1879 based on their unique staining properties.
Source/authorWilliam Aird
Reviewed byParul Bhargava
ReferencesSemin Immunol 2018;35:29