Mast cell

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a concise overview of the major biological features of human mast cell. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanism of mast cell degranulation and pharmacologic modulation of mediator release. Moreover, increasing evidences indicate that mast cells from different species as well as different tissues within the same animal exhibit variations in their morphological, cytochemical and functional properties. Notable are the differences in location, staining and contents of the two cell types termed the mucosal mast cell and the connective tissue mast cell. Further, in tissue culture, the mucosal mast cell is T-lymphocyte dependent and requires Interleukin-3 to proliferate. Recent findings suggest that mast cell may also play a role in the early phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and in T-cell dependent immunity to tumors. Mast cell are probably induced by an antigen specific factor to early release vasoactive mediators. The increased permeability of the local vasculature allows sensitized T-cell to penetrate into extravascular spaces and thus to amplify the immune response. Future research both in vivo and in vitro into this fashinating cell will help to prevent and treat more effectively mast cell related diseases.