Which cell type releases histamine during allergic responses?

Which cell type releases histamine during allergic responses?

• A. Neutrophil
• B. Eosinophil
• C. Lymphocyte
• D. Basophil

Answer: (D)

Histamine release in allergic responses comes from cells that degranulate when exposed to allergen-bound IgE. Basophils in the blood carry IgE and release histamine when cross-linked by an allergen, driving the immediate allergic reactions like redness, swelling, and itchiness. Mast cells do this in tissues, but among circulating options, basophils are the key histamine releasers. Neutrophils respond to infections and don’t typically release histamine in this context. Eosinophils participate in later stages of allergic inflammation and parasite defense, not histamine release. Lymphocytes mainly modulate the immune response through cytokines and antibodies. So basophils are the cells responsible for releasing histamine during allergic responses.

Histamine release in allergic responses comes from cells that degranulate when exposed to allergen-bound IgE. Basophils in the blood carry IgE and release histamine when cross-linked by an allergen, driving the immediate allergic reactions like redness, swelling, and itchiness. Mast cells do this in tissues, but among circulating options, basophils are the key histamine releasers. Neutrophils respond to infections and don’t typically release histamine in this context. Eosinophils participate in later stages of allergic inflammation and parasite defense, not histamine release. Lymphocytes mainly modulate the immune response through cytokines and antibodies. So basophils are the cells responsible for releasing histamine during allergic responses.