Mast Cell Function

Mast cells are vital to the inflammatory process in the human body. Mast cells interact with bacteria within the body and help in the defense against infections. These cells may also help fight disease such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and arthritis.

Identification

• A mast cell is a connective tissue cell. Mast cells may be damaged in allergic reactions in the body, such as anaphylaxis. Mast cells are located in tissues such as the skin, the lungs, the mouth, the nose and the digestive tract. There are two types of mast cells, those formed from connective tissue and those that are derived from mucosal mast cells.

Wound Healing

• Mast cells help to promote wound healing within the body. Mast cells aid the body in the regeneration of healthy tissue in a wound, as well as in bones. Mast cells are also known to protect the body by reducing toxins such as venom and bacterial toxins.

Allergic Reactions

• Mast cells are the primary responders in allergic reactions. Mast cells play an important part in defending the body against asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Mast cells help the body to regulate the release of histamines in response to minute amounts of allergic substances.

Autoimmune Disorders

• Mast cells are thought to play an important part in protecting the body against autoimmune disorders. These may include disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS). They work in this way by activating inflammatory cells within the joints.

Mastocytosis

• Mastocytosis is the term that is used to define a condition in which individuals have an increased number of mast cells within the body. Patients with this condition often have a history of conditions such as itching, flushing, tachycardia, heart palpitations, light-headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and headaches. An increase in mast cells may also produce mast cell tumors, which are commonly found in dogs and cats.