Source: http://www.kumc.edu/instruction/medicine/pathology/ed/keywords/kw_basophil.html

The least common leukocyte. They are very similar to mast cells, both in terms of their appearance and functions; however, they are a completely distinct cell type. Basophils and Mast Cells are important contributors to allergic responses. They are a rich source of vasoactive mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and platelet activating factor.

  1. A type of white blood cell which can be easily stained with alkaline (basic) dyes. It has a nucleus with two lobes and it carries around substances like histamine.
  2. Any structure, cell, or other bodily object which stains easily with alkaline dyes.

From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

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