Changes

==[[Basophils|Basophils]] / [[Mast Cells|Mast Cells]]==

==[[Basophils|Basophils]] / [[Mast Cells|Mast Cells]]==

[[Image:Basophil and Lymphocyte.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Basophil - J. Bredl, RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Basophil and Lymphocyte.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Basophil - J. Bredl, RVC 2008]]

* Basophils/mast cells are principally localised at epithelial surfaces

The basophils and the mast cells are principally localised at epithelial surfaces with very small numbers present in blood, making up less than 0.5% of circulating leukocytes.

** Very small numbers are present in blood

*** Less than 0.5% circulating leukocytes

* They have two principal functions:

These two cell types have two principal functions:

*# Induction of [[:Category:Inflammation|acute inflammation]]

*#* Trauma and/ or bacterial infection causes the production of '''cytokines''' by the mast cells that induce a classical acute inflammatory response

*# Response to parasite infection

The first is the induction of [[:Category:Inflammation|acute inflammation]]. They do this through the production of '''[[Cytokines|cytokines]]''' by the mast cells in response to trauma and/or bacterial infection which then induces a classical acute inflammatory response.

*#* Specific [[Immunoglobulins|IgE]] binds cells

*#* Subsequent contact with antigen causes the mast cells to degranulate

*#* Release enzymes and vasoactive substances that can result in a high level of mucus secretion and smooth muscle contraction

The second is to respond to parasite infection. They do this specifically by interacting with the Fc region of the [[Immunoglobulins|IgE]] class of antibody. When the IgE then comes into subsequent contact with antigen this causes the mast cells and basophils to degranulate. This causes the release enzymes and vasoactive substances that can result in a high level of mucus secretion and smooth muscle contraction. As the granules contain a much greater concentration of these peptides, the degranulation of Mast cells and Basophils creates a much more powerful response than that by neutrophils alone. These cells also produce factors that influence local host cell physiology

* Also produce factors that influence local host cell physiology

and various mediators that increase the ratio of phagocyte to microbe (in particular [[Cytokines|cytokines]]).

** Various mediators increase the ratio of phagocyte to microbe

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{{Jim Bee 2007}}

{{Jim Bee 2007}}

[[Category:Innate Immune System]]

[[Category:Innate Immune System]]