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A mast cell (also known as a mastocyte or a labrocyte [1]) is a resident cell of connective tissue that contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin.Specifically, it is a type of granulocyte derived from the myeloid stem cell that is a part of the immune and neuroimmune systems.
Mast cells seem to have other roles as well. Because they gather together around wounds, mast cells may play a part in wound healing. For example, the typical itching felt around a healing scab may be caused by histamine released by mast cells. Researchers also think mast cells may have a role in the growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis).
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a term referring to one of two types of mast cell activation disorder (MCAD); the other type is idiopathic MCAD. [1] MCAS is an immunological condition in which mast cells, a type of white blood cell, inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators, such as histamine, resulting in a range of chronic symptoms, sometimes including anaphylaxis or ...
The cells of connective tissue include fibroblasts, adipocytes, macrophages, mast cells and leukocytes. The term "connective tissue" (in German, Bindegewebe) was introduced in 1830 by Johannes Peter Müller. The tissue was already recognized as a distinct class in the 18th century. [4] [5]
The connective tissue of the lamina propria is loose and rich in cells. The cells of the lamina propria are variable and can include fibroblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, eosinophilic leukocytes, and mast cells. [2] It provides support and nutrition to the epithelium, as well as the means to bind to the underlying tissue.
This is sufficient to make the diagnosis of a mast cell tumor, although poorly differentiated mast cells may have few granules and thus are difficult to identify. The granules of the mast cell stain blue to dark purple with a Romanowsky stain, and the cells are medium-sized. [7] However, a surgical biopsy is required to find the grade of the tumor.
Mast cells were once thought to be basophils that migrated from the blood into their resident tissues (connective tissue), but they are now known to be different types of cells. [ 5 ] Basophils were discovered in 1879 by German physician Paul Ehrlich , who one year earlier had found a cell type present in tissues that he termed mastzellen (now ...
Chymases (EC 3.4.21.39, mast cell protease 1, skeletal muscle protease, skin chymotryptic proteinase, mast cell serine proteinase, skeletal muscle protease) are a family of serine proteases found primarily in mast cells, though also present in basophil granulocytes (e.g. alpha chymase mcpt8).