Neutrophils have salmon pink granules and multi-lobulated nuclei. Eosinophils in large numbers suggest allergic conditions. They are believed to combat allergens, which cause allergies. They are elevated also in cases of pork worm infection, psoriasis, Hodgkin's disease and some cancers. Numbers decrease after periods of stress.
Eosinophils are about the same size as neutrophils, but have reddish-orange granules.
Basophils are elevated due to allergens, Hodgkin's disease, smallpox, after splenectomy, chronic hemolytic anemia and some cancers. They are elevated, also, during recovering lobar pneumonia, acute rheumatic fever and anaphylactoid purpura. They are decreased in the acute phases of the same conditions. Basophils are the precursors for mast cells. Mast cells are in tissues and, when adequately stimulated by allergens, cause the release of histamine, heparin and serotonin.