What are Mast Cells?
Mast Cell Meaning
Mast Cells Definition: A "mast cell is a connective tissue-resident cell, which is also regarded as a mastocyte or a labrocyte, that includes several histamine and heparin-rich granules. It's a kind of granulocyte that comes from a myeloid stem cell and is used in the immune and neuroimmune systems.
In 1877, Paul Ehrlich invented mast cell meaning. Mast cells represent an essential protective function in wound angiogenesis, healing, immune tolerance, pathogen protection, and vascular permeability in brain tumours, though they are primarily remembered for their function in allergy and anaphylaxis.
The mast cell and the basophil, another form of white blood cell, have similarities in the looks and also in their functions. Mast cells were once believed to be tissue resident basophils, but it has since been discovered that the two cells grow from various hematopoietic lineages and therefore cannot be the same.
Mast Cell Diagram
Below given is the Mast cell diagram:
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Structure
Mast cells definition in the blood is identical to basophil granulocytes (a type of white blood cell). Both of these are granulated cells containing histamine and the anticoagulant heparin. The nuclei of basophils and mast cells are different in which the basophil nucleus is located and the mast cell nucleus seems like a circle.
The Fc region of immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds to mast cells and basophils, causing the cells to produce histamine as well as few other inflammatory mediators once IgE's paratopes connect to an antigen. Because of these similarities, several people believe mast cells represent basophils that have "homed in" on tissues.
They also have a specific precursor throughout the bone marrow that expresses the CD34 molecule. Mast cells migrate in an immature state, growing older just once in a tissue site, while basophils quit the bone marrow fully developed. The specific characteristics of an immature mast cell are most likely determined by the location where it settles.
Utilizing conditioned medium extracted from concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes, the first in vitro differentiation and development of a true population of mouse mast cells was performed. T cell-derived interleukin 3 has been eventually revealed to be the element in the conditioned media that was necessary for mast cell differentiation and development.
Mast cells throughout rodents are historically classified into two categories, namely, connective tissue-type mast cells and mucosal mast cells. T-cells are needed for the latter's activities.
Mast Cells Function
Below mentioned are the mast cells function:
Mast cells are critical participants in the inflammatory process. Once activated, mast cells secrete "mediators," or compounds that cause inflammation, through storage granules gradually (piecemeal degranulation) or quickly (anaphylactic degranulation) further into the local microenvironment.
Mast cells have a high-affinity receptor for IgE's Fc region, which is the lowest available of the antibodies. Since this receptor really does have a high affinity, IgE molecules bind here in an irreversible manner. Mast cells become covered with IgE, which is formed by plasma cells, as a consequence (the cells that produce antibodies for the immune system). Antibodies in IgE are normally unique to a single antigen.
Mast cells are inactive during allergic reactions until an allergen attaches to IgE that has already been coated on the cell. Certain membrane activation events may either prepare mast cells for degranulation or work in conjunction with FcRI signalling. Allergens tend proteins or polysaccharides in particular.
1. Mast Cells Mediators
Further to the activation of cell surface receptors on mast cells, a particular group of stimulus-specific mast cell mediators (mast cells release) was produced by degranulation. All through mast cell degranulation, a variety of mediators are secreted into the surrounding environment, including:
serine proteases, including tryptase and chymase
serotonin
histamine (2–5 picograms per mast cell)
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
proteoglycans, majorly heparin (active as an anticoagulant) and a few other chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans
lysosomal enzymes
Β-glucuronidase
β-hexosaminidase
Arylsulfatases
Histamine causes post-capillary venules to dilate, the endothelium to activate, and blood vessel permeability to rise. Local edema (swelling), swelling, warmth, and the attracting of several other inflammatory cells to the point of release are all caused by the same. Nerve endings are also depolarized (resulting in itching or pain).
The "flare and wheal" reaction is indeed a cutaneous indication of histamine secretion. This reaction, which happens seconds just after the mast cell is challenged via an allergen, is exemplified by the bump and swelling that happens after a mosquito bite.
2. in the Nervous System
Mast cells, unlike all other immune system hematopoietic cells, are found in the human brain, where these communicate with the neuroimmune system. Mast cells are found throughout the pineal gland, pineal gland, pituitary stalk, and hypothalamus, as well as the choroid plexus, area postrema, and the dural coat of the meninges around meningeal nociceptors, which facilitate visceral sensory (– for example, pain) or neuroendocrine functions and are positioned all along with blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
In the body and central nervous system (CNS), mast cells control or regulate allergic responses, autoimmunity, innate and adaptive immunity, and inflammation, among other things. Mast cells are the key effector cells by which pathogens may influence the gut–brain axis across systems.
3. In the Gut
Mucosal mast cells are found in close vicinity to sensory nerve fibers in the gastrointestinal tract, where they interact bidirectionally. When mast cells degranulate, they produce mediators (such as tryptase, histamine, and serotonin) that stimulate, sensitize, as well as trigger membrane expression of nociceptors (such as TRPV1) on visceral afferent neurons through the receptors, resulting in visceral hypersensitivity, neurogenic inflammation, and intestinal dysmotility (— for example, impaired peristalsis).
Neuropeptide signalling to mast cells stimulates degranulation of a specific group of mediators (-Hexosaminidas, chemokines, cytokines, leukotrienes, PGD2, and eoxins), which attach to the associated receptors.
FAQs on Mast Cell
1. What is a mast cell and what is its primary role in the body?
A mast cell, also known as a mastocyte, is a specialized immune cell found in connective tissues throughout the body. Its primary role is to act as a first-line defender in the immune system. It contains granules rich in potent chemicals like histamine and heparin, which it releases in response to injury, infection, and especially in allergic reactions.
2. Where are mast cells typically found in the body?
Mast cells are strategically located at the boundaries between the body and the external environment. They are abundant in the connective tissue of the skin, near blood vessels and nerves, and in the mucosal linings of the respiratory and digestive tracts. This placement allows them to quickly respond to invading pathogens and allergens.
3. What are the key substances secreted by mast cells upon activation?
When activated, mast cells release several biologically active substances called mediators. The most important of these include:
- Histamine: Increases blood flow and makes capillaries leaky, causing classic allergy symptoms like swelling and redness.
- Heparin: An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting, helping to keep blood flowing to an area of injury.
- Cytokines: Signaling proteins that attract other immune cells to the site of inflammation.
- Proteases: Enzymes that can break down proteins and contribute to tissue remodeling.
4. How do mast cells become activated during an allergic reaction?
Mast cell activation in an allergic reaction is a specific process. It is primarily triggered when an allergen, such as pollen or dust, binds to Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies on the mast cell's surface. This binding cross-links the IgE receptors, sending a signal into the cell that causes it to rapidly release its granules in a process called degranulation, leading to immediate allergy symptoms.
5. What is the main difference between a mast cell and a basophil?
While both are involved in allergic responses, the key difference lies in their location and maturation. Basophils mature in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream as mature cells. In contrast, mast cells leave the bone marrow as immature precursors and complete their maturation in peripheral tissues like the skin or lungs, where they then reside for long periods.
6. How can mast cells be both beneficial for immunity and harmful in allergies?
The dual role of mast cells depends on the context of their activation. They are beneficial when they respond to real threats like bacteria or parasites, initiating an inflammatory response that helps clear the infection. They become harmful in allergies when they overreact to a harmless substance (an allergen). This excessive and inappropriate release of mediators causes uncomfortable symptoms and, in severe cases, a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.
7. What is an example of a medical condition directly involving mast cell dysfunction?
A key example is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). In this condition, mast cells are unstable and are triggered to degranulate inappropriately and frequently by minor stimuli. This results in chronic, multi-system symptoms that resemble an allergic reaction, such as hives, flushing, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and respiratory distress.
