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==[[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
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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
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* Eosinophil numbers are increased:
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** Slightly during the resolution phase of inflammation
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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
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<br />
*** The presence of a large proportion of eosinophils in a blood smear is highly indicative of parasitaemia
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<br />
* Mainly function by targeting the surface of parasites by means of specific antibody or complement
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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
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<br />
* Prominent in [[:Category:Allergic Diseases|allergic]] (anaphylactic) reactions
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Intrestingly, eosinophils are also prominent in [[:Category:Allergic Diseases|allergic]] (anaphylactic) reactions.
    
==[[Basophils|Basophils]] / [[Mast Cells|Mast Cells]]==
 
==[[Basophils|Basophils]] / [[Mast Cells|Mast Cells]]==
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