Basophilic leukocytes

Overview

 * Basophilic leukocytes are named for the ability of their cytoplasmic granules to stain with basic dyes
 * Basophilic leukocytes contain and can release histamine and serotonin
 * Reference range: 0.5-3.0% (least common leukocyte)

Increased

 * Allergic diathesis
 * Asthma
 * Chickenpox
 * Chronic inflammatory processes
 * Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
 * Chronic sinusitis
 * Diabetes Mellitus
 * Estrogen therapy
 * Following splenectomy
 * Hodgkin's Lymphoma
 * Hyperthyroidism
 * Hypothyroidism
 * Idiopathic thrombocythemia
 * Influenza
 * Mastocytosis
 * Osteomyelosclerosis
 * Polycythemia Vera
 * Radiation exposure
 * Tuberculosis
 * Ulcerative colitis

Decreased

 * Corticosteroids
 * Hypersensitivity reaction
 * Hyperthyroidism
 * Pregnancy
 * Stress