Eosinophils

Authors

Lawrence C. Sweet

Abstract

Despite the fact that the eosinophilic leukocyte has been known as a distinct entity for 123 years and has been the subject of extensive research and numerous scientific papers, its precise function remains an enigma. A diverse array of clinical conditions are known to be associated with eosinophilia but even here the role of this cell in the pathological process remains unknown. Recent experimenlal work suggests that allergens, antigens, antigen-antibody complexes, and components of complement may function as eosinophilotactic stimuli. Eosinophils phagocytize antigen-antibody complexes as well as a variety of particulate substances. Their granules have been identified as lysosomes and degenerative changes within the cytoplasm have been shown to result in the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals. Future research should provide a clearer explanation of the exact functions of this distinctive cell.

Recommended Citation

Sweet, Lawrence C. (1969) "Eosinophils," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 17 : No. 3 , 209-216.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol17/iss3/7