The Human Mast Cell: An Overview

Mast cell density and distribution in human abdominal aortic aneurysm

“…Thus, mast cells distributed "outside of aortic wall" appear to be associated with the AAA pathogenesis. Mast cells mature with tissue-specific phenotypes from circulating multipotent haematopoietic progenitor cells in response to signals communicated by quiescent microvascular environment cells where they become resident (Krishnaswamy et al 2006). Stem cell factor (SCF), a ligand for the proto-oncogene c-kit, is widely produced in various types of cells, such as fibroblasts (Nocka et al 1990), endothelial cells and stromal cells (Heinrich et al 1993), and is the main factor for the growth and differentiation of mast cells (Zsebo et al 1990).…”

“…Mast cell, unique effector components of the immune system, play a critical role in defending hosts against pathogens by releasing a number of immunoregulatory mediators (Marshall & Jawdat 2004). Mast cells synthesize a number of substances, which include histamine, heparin, tryptase, chymase, carboxypeptidase, cathepsin G, leukotriene C 4 , prostaglandin D 2 , tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-4,-5,-6,-13, some of which are stored in secretory vesicles (Krishnaswamy et al 2006). Recently, mast cells have been recognized not only to be involved in host defense but also to initiate the inflammatory response by recruiting macrophages and T-lymphocytes (von Stebut et al 2003;Henz et al 2001) and by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, angiogenic mediators and proteases (Krishnaswamy et al 2006).…”

“…Mast cells synthesize a number of substances, which include histamine, heparin, tryptase, chymase, carboxypeptidase, cathepsin G, leukotriene C 4 , prostaglandin D 2 , tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-4,-5,-6,-13, some of which are stored in secretory vesicles (Krishnaswamy et al 2006). Recently, mast cells have been recognized not only to be involved in host defense but also to initiate the inflammatory response by recruiting macrophages and T-lymphocytes (von Stebut et al 2003;Henz et al 2001) and by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, angiogenic mediators and proteases (Krishnaswamy et al 2006). Specifically, tryptase and chymase have been examined for their unique biological actions to modulate extracellular matrix formation and induce apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (Cairns & Walls 1997;Leskinen et al 2001;Tchougounova et al 2005).…”

Typha orientalis inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression through suppression of ERK phosphorylation in HMC-1 cells

“…Mast cells have been associated with immediate hypersensitivity, an immune reaction resulting from the release of chemical mediators and cytokines following IgE/FceRI-mediated activation (Murrant and Bihari, 2000;Krishnaswamy et al, 2006). Moreover, the significant contribution of mast cells has become evident in pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory In-Young Choi et al…”

Ex Vivo and In Vitro Primary Mast Cells

“…Mast cells are widely distributed among tissues, in virtually all organs [7]. In all cases, however, mast cells represent a minor population.…”