Mast cells in the brain: Possibilities for physiological psychology

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of large numbers of mast cells (MCs) or similar cytological elements within the meninges and within perivascular tissue of brains from many mammalian species. The distributions of MCs within brain space appear to be a function of species, age, and possibly experience. Dense cytoplasmic granules within brain MCs appear to contain heparin, histamine, serotonin (in some species), protein complexes, and sulfomucopolysaccharides. MCs may account for almost all the histamine in the neonatal rat brain and up to 70% of this amine’s content in the adult rat brain. The topographical, morphological, pharmacological, and immunological properties of MCs suggest their involvement in processes of interest to physiological psychologists. Detailed information concerning brain MC characteristics as well as possibilities for their functions are presented. © 1977, Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.