Eosinophils
Equine eosinophil
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Eosinophils are produced in marrow, circulate in blood for a few hours, and migrate
into tissues where they survive for several days. Increased production
of eosinophils is mediated by interleukin-5 and interleukin-3, which are
produced by several cell types, but especially T lymphocytes and mast
cells. Corticosteroids decrease blood eosinophil numbers but increase
the marrow pool of eosinophils.
Increased numbers of circulating eosinophils may be seen in hypersensitivity
reactions, as with certain forms of parasitism and allergic conditions. The presence of
mast cell tumors in an animal may also be associated with eosinophilia. Basophilia
sometimes occurs concurrent with eosinophilia. Idiopathic "hypereosinophilic" syndromes
are seen infrequently in cats.
Last Updated: June 2000
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