Basophil granulocyte
Basophils are the least common of the
granulocytes. They contain large cytoplasmic granules which obscure the
nucleus under the
microscope. However when the nucleus is visible it is seen to have 2 lobes. When basophils leave the blood they become
mast cells. These cells play a major part in the inflammatory process, having a rapid response to specific
allergens and releasing
heparin,
histamine and
serotonin. The full purpose of a basophil is still not known, although it seems to play a major part in
heavy metal poisoning