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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

THE HEMIC BASOPHIL.

¹Pathological Laboratories of the Albany Medical College and the Albany Hospital, Albany.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine

|October 30, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Basophils, a type of white blood cell, lack the characteristic reaction of other granulocytes. These hemic basophils appear cytologically unique and functionally inactive, suggesting they are degenerating cells.

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Area of Science:

Hematology
Cell Biology
Cytochemistry

Background:

Basophilic granules in blood and marrow cells exhibit distinct microchemical and physical properties.
These properties differentiate basophils from neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the unique characteristics of basophilic granules and hemic basophils.
To determine the physiological and cytological significance of basophils.
To elucidate the origin and potential degeneration of basophils.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of granule reactions using benzidine solutions.
Microchemical and physical characterization of blood and marrow cell granules.
Cytological and physiological evaluation of hemic basophils in mammalian blood.

Main Results:

Basophilic granules do not display the brown color reaction seen in neutrophilic and eosinophilic granules with benzidine solutions.
Hemic basophils are cytologically distinct and appear physiologically inactive compared to other granulocytes.
Observed peculiarities suggest basophils are degenerating cells, likely originating from eosinophilic or neutrophilic precursors.

Conclusions:

Basophils possess unique cytochemical and physical properties distinguishing them from other granulocytes.
The hemic basophil is cytologically peculiar and functionally quiescent.
Evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that basophils represent degenerating cells, possibly derived from eosinophils or neutrophils.