Mast cell

A mast cell (or mastocyte) is a resident cell of connective tissue that contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Although best known for their role in allergy and anaphylaxis, mast cells play an important protective role as well, being intimately involved in wound healing and defense against pathogens.

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Mast cells were first described by Paul Ehrlich in 1878 on the basis of their unique staining characteristics and large granules. These granules also led him to the mistaken belief that they existed to nourish the surrounding tissue, and he named them "mastzellen," meaning "feeding-cells." Nowadays, they are considered part of the immune system. Mast cells are very similar to basophil granulocytes (a class of white blood cells) in blood; the similarities between mast cells and basophils has led many to speculate that mast cells are basophils that have "homed in" on tissues. However, current evidence suggests that they are generated by different precursor cells in the bone marrow. Nevertheless, both mast cells and basophils are thought to originate from bone marrow precursors expressing the CD34 molecule. The basophil leaves the bone marrow already mature while the mast cell circulates in an immature form, only maturing once in a tissue site. The tissue site an immature mast cell chooses to settle in probably determines its precise characteristics.

Cell: A cell is a single unit or compartment, enclosed by a border or wall. A cell is usually part of a larger structure. More specific meanings depend on the context in which the work is used....

Connective tissue: Connective tissue is any type of biological tissue with an extensive extracellular matrix and often serves to support, bind together, and protect organs. There are four basic types:...

Histamine: Histamine is a biogenic amine chemical involved in local immune responses as well as regulating physiological function in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter. New evidence also indicates that histamine plays a role in chemotaxis of white blood cells....

Mast cell related Images and Photos (experimental)

Cell, The (DVD)	Cell 2, The (DVD)	Cell 2, The (Blu-ray)	The Cell
Animal Cell	Cell 2455, Death Row (1955)	Bacteria Cell	Soft Cell: The Very Best of Soft Cell CD
Soft Cell: The Very Best of Soft Cell CD	The Mast-Tree Grove Study	TMZ Logo Cell Phone Cover	Madonna Film Cell