Asthma and related eosinophilic infiltrates

Abstract

Eosinophils were first recognized by Ehrlich1 in 1879 as a distinct type of cell within the peripheral blood characterized by a bilobed nucleus with distinct cytoplasmic granules staining positively with eosin. Eosinophils are thought to have evolved as a major component in the defense against helminth parasites. The dense granules within eosinophils contain substances such as major basic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, peroxidase, cat-ionic protein, and activated oxygen species, which are toxic to helminth parasites. © 2008 Springer New York.