This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Mast cell

Authoring team

The mast cell is a fixed connective tissue cell that resembles the circulating blood basophil. The cytoplasm is almost entirely filled with large granules which take up basic dyes.

The granules contain a number of active substances:

  • histamine: increases vasodilatation and capillary permeability
  • heparin: anticoagulant
  • tryptase: activates complement
  • platelet activating factor: stimulates platelet degranulation
  • eosinophil / neutrophil chemotactic factors: stimulate chemotaxis of both cell types

In addition, mast cells can sythesize arachidonic acid derivatives. They are involved in atopy, type I hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.