What role do basophils play during allergic reactions?

Basophils play a critical role during allergic reactions primarily by releasing histamine, which is a key mediator involved in the inflammatory response. When an allergen is encountered, basophils are activated and subsequently degranulate, releasing histamine into the surrounding tissues.

Histamine binds to specific receptors on various cells, leading to dilation of blood vessels and increased permeability of the vascular walls. This results in the typical symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as swelling, redness, and itching. The release of histamine also attracts other immune cells to the site of the allergen exposure, amplifying the body's immune response.

While antibodies are produced by B cells in response to allergens, basophils themselves do not have the ability to produce antibodies. Additionally, phagocytosis, which involves engulfing and digesting pathogens, is primarily a function of other white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages rather than basophils. Furthermore, basophils do not differentiate into macrophages; they remain their own distinct cell type throughout their lifespan. Thus, the correct answer highlights their specific function in allergic reactions related to the release of histamine.