Which blood cells are mainly involved in histamine release during allergic responses?

Prepare for the HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Basophils are the blood cells primarily involved in the release of histamine during allergic responses. When an allergen is encountered, basophils, which are a type of white blood cell, recognize it and subsequently become activated. Upon activation, they degranulate, releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to the allergic reaction.

Histamine plays a crucial role in allergic responses by increasing the permeability of blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. The presence of histamine is significant in conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and other hypersensitivity reactions. Basophils, although less numerous than other types of white blood cells, are essential for the initiation of these allergic responses and work in conjunction with other immune cells to amplify the allergic reaction.

The other types of white blood cells listed do play roles in immune responses but do not primarily release histamine. While eosinophils are involved in combating parasitic infections and can contribute to inflammation in allergic reactions, they do not primarily release histamine. Neutrophils are key players in combating bacterial infections and do not have a primary role in histamine release. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to aid in immune responses but are not

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