Basopenia (or basocytopenia) is a form of agranulocytosis associated with a deficiency of basophils. It has been proposed as an indicator of ovulation. It is difficult to detect without flow cytometry, because normal levels are so low. It can be defined as less than 0.01 billion / L. Basopenia has been observed in a number of conditions, including after the administration of corticosteroids and in disease states such as chronic urticaria and lupus.
Mechanism
Basophils, which are granulocytes, account for only a small proportion of the total leukocyte count, and are responsible for controlling the immune response during parasitic infectionsVoehringer D (December 2009). "The role of basophils in helminth infection". Trends in Parasitology. 25 (12): 551–6. doi:10.1016/j.pt.2009.09.004. PMID 19782643.. In case of activation, basophils can secrete histamine, proteoglycans (e.g. heparin and chondroitin), leukotrienes (LTD-4), and several cytokinesJaneway CA Jr.; et al. (2001). Immunobiology (electronic full text via NCBI Bookshelf) (5th ed.). Garland Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8153-3642-6.. Although there is a positive correlation between higher basophil counts and high blood histamine concentrations, this correlation is not indicative of cause and effect.
Associated conditions Hereditary absence of basophils (very rare) Elevated levels of glucocorticoids Hyperthyroidism or treatment with thyroid hormones Ovulation Hypersensitivity reactions urticaria Anaphylaxis Drug-induced reactions Leukocytosis (in association with diverse disorders)
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