Changes

==[[Eosinophils|Eosinophils]]==

==[[Eosinophils|Eosinophils]]==

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

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

* Eosinophils are less common than [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]], and they are not phagocytic

Eosinophils are less common than [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]], with eosinophils making up less than 5% of the leukocytes in normal blood. They are still described as granulocytes but they are not phagocytic.

** Make up <5% of the leukocytes in normal blood

* Eosinophil numbers are increased:

** Slightly during the resolution phase of inflammation

It has been found that eosinophil numbers are increased slightly during the resolution phase of inflammation, but many-fold in parasite-infected animals. It is therefore the presence of a large proportion of eosinophils in a blood smear that is highly indicative of parasitaemia.

** Many-fold in parasite-infected animals

*** The presence of a large proportion of eosinophils in a blood smear is highly indicative of parasitaemia

* Mainly function by targeting the surface of parasites by means of specific antibody or complement

The eosinophils mainly function by targeting the surface of parasites by means of a specific [[Immunoglobulins|antibody]] or [[Complement|complement component]]. Once the parasite has been recognised the eosinophils release, through a process called exocytosis (the fusion of granules to the plasma membrane), a large range of toxic molecules that break down the parasite integument.<br />

** Release a large range of toxic molecules that break down the parasite integument

* Prominent in [[:Category:Allergic Diseases|allergic]] (anaphylactic) reactions

Intrestingly, eosinophils are also prominent in [[:Category:Allergic Diseases|allergic]] (anaphylactic) reactions.

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

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