S K Kritas, A Saggini, G Cerulli, A Caraffa, P Antinolfi, A Pantalone, M Rosati, M Tei, A Speziali, R Saggini, A Frydas, P Conti
Mast cells (MCs) derive from a distinct precursor in the bone marrow and are predominantly found in tissues at the interface between the host and the external environment where they can secrete mediators without overt degranulation. Mast cells mature under local tissue microenvironmental factors and are necessary for the development of allergic reactions, through crosslinking of their surface receptors for IgE (FcεRI), leading to degranulation and the release of vasoactive, pro-inflammatory and nociceptive mediators that include histamine, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes...
July 2014: International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology