Mast Cell

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mast cell

[′mast ‚sel]
A connective-tissue cell with numerous large, basophilic, metachromatic granules in the cytoplasm.

Mast Cell


(also called mastocyte or labrocyte), a reticular connective tissue cell in animals and man. The number of mast cells depends on the species and on the functional state of the connective tissue. The mast cell contains metachromatic cytoplasmic granules; the size and number of granules depend on the species and on the maturity and functional state of the cell. Mast cells contain a number of physiologically active substances, notably heparin, histamine, and serotonin. Consequently, it is believed that the mast cell plays a role in anaphylaxis, inflammation, and blood clotting. Mast cells rarely divide by mitosis. The principles of their origin and reproduction remain obscure.

References in periodicals archive ?
Continuing with the environment as a trigger for MCAS, exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR/EMF) is becoming a more commonly recognized trigger for mast cells. Theo Theoharides, PhD, MD, has stated that mast cells fire ten times more in the presence of a cell phone.
Viruses, retroviral activation, Borrelia, Lyme co-infections (such as Bartonella, Babesia, and others), Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and other microbial burdens may serve as triggers for activation of the mast cells leading to further histamine release and higher levels of inflammation.
In addition, total mast cell count) in the study group was statistically significantly higher (mean: 31.37[+ or -]15.47) than that of the control group (13.36[+ or -]7.70; p=0.00; Figs.
The main mechanism of mast cell degranulation is through surface IgE cross-linking (Benoist & Mathis, 2002).
To induce degranulation of mast cells in the dura mater, we applied to the dura mater compound 48/80 which is known as a mast cell degranulating agent an IgE-independent manner (24).
Distribution and developmental changes of mast cells in the intestinal tract of African ostrich.
Mazzarella, "Mechanisms of activation of human mast cells and basophils by general anesthetic drugs," Annales Frangaises d'Anesthesie et de Reanimation, vol.
The present study was designed for quantifying mast cells in oral lichenoid reactions and oral lichen planus to understand the potential function of mast cells in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
While well-known for their proinflammatory properties, it has become increasingly evident that mast cells can have potent anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects either via direct or indirect mechanisms in certain disease conditions [47,48].
Mast cells express receptors which play a crucial role in recognition and binding both pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) [25-27].
Mast cell tumors are mainly occurring in skin and subcutaneous tissues.