The Chicken Heterophil- A Short Review

In the immune system of chickens along with other white blood cells namely lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, heterophils are also found. Heterophils are granulocytes. The cytoplasm contains eosinophilic granules. The nucleus of mature heterophils is lobed. They are responsible for bactericidal activity. Heterophils are also classified as immature, mature and toxic heterophils. Toxic heterophils exhibit toxic changes in response to the severity of the illness [1,2]. Acquired and innate immune systems are well developed in chickens. Heterophils are the components of these two systems, protect the birds from pathogens