The Mast Cell-Nerve Functional Unit: A Key Component of Physiologic and Pathophysiologic Responses

Abstract

A key characteristic of mast cells appears to be an ability to span the division between nervous and immune system. Indeed, much of our understanding of the bi-directional relationship between the nervous and immune systems has come from the study of mast cell-nerve interaction. Although differences in species have been reported, morphologic as well as functional associations between mast cell and nerves are found in most tissues in many mammalian species, including humans. These interactions are involved in the regulation of physiologic homeostatic processes as well as in disease mechanisms. Here we discuss the influence of cholinergic and sensory neurons on mast cells as well as the importance of mast cell nerve interactions at specific tissue sites, including the brain.

Evidence for mast cells contributing to neuromuscular pathology in an inherited model of ALS

“…Peripheral sensory and autonomic nerves have been shown to functionally interact with mast cells, being a mechanism underlying neurogenic inflammation (37,38). However, whether motor nerve terminals interact with mast cells during ALS paralysis progression is presently unknown.…”

Quercetin ameliorates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by stabilizing mast cells, and subsequently blocking PKCε-dependent activation of TRPV1

“…The former mast cells are adjacent to sensory nerve terminals and release histamine in a form of degranulation following inflammatory stimuli, which ultimately leads to the release of neuromodulators (eg, SP, CGRP, etc) from nociceptive fibers [27] . Chemical mediators released from mast cells through degranulation activate nociceptors that can conversely release mediators to activate mast cells when injured [28,29] . When compared to wild-type (WT) mice, mast cell-deficient mice exhibit hypo-responsive hind paws in the presence of heat and mechanical stimulus [30] .…”

Microbes taming mast cells: Implications for allergic inflammation and beyond

“…In addition to being at the frontline of host defense mast cells can translate signals between the nervous, immune and endocrine systems (Theoharides, 1996;Forsythe and Bienenstock, 2012). A range of neurotransmitters and hormones can activate mast cells, in turn, a variety of molecules, including histamine and serotonin, synthesized and released by mast cells can influence neuronal activity and endocrine function (Frieling et al, 1991(Frieling et al, , 1993.…”