mast cell

n. A cell produced in bone marrow that functions in allergic reactions and other inflammatory and immune responses by releasing substances such as histamine and cytokines and by directly killing pathogens. Mast cells are found chiefly in connective tissue and contain basophilic granules.

[Partial translation of German Mastzelle, well-fed cell (from an early view that the granules were from phagocytosis) : Mast, food, mast (from Middle High German, from Old High German) + Zelle, cell.]

mast cell

n (Biology) a type of granular basophil cell in connective tissue that releases heparin, histamine, and serotonin during inflammation and allergic reactions [C19: from mast², on the model of German Mastzelle]

mast′ cell`

n. a large granular cell, common in connective tissue, that produces heparin, histamine, and serotonin. [1885–90; partial translation of German Mastzelle=Mast mast² + Zelle cell]

Thesaurus

Noun

mast cell - a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine and heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammationlabrocyte, mastocyteconnective tissue - tissue of mesodermal origin consisting of e.g. collagen fibroblasts and fatty cells; supports organs and fills spaces between them and forms tendons and ligamentssomatic cell, vegetative cell - any of the cells of a plant or animal except the reproductive cells; a cell that does not participate in the production of gametes; "somatic cells are produced from preexisting cells";

mast cell

a connective tissue cell that contains coarse, basophilic, metachromatic secretory granules that contain, among other pharmacologic agents, heparin, histamine, and eosinophilic chemotactic factor. These cells are involved in immediate hypersensitivity reactions and play a role in the regulation of the composition of ground substance. Synonym(s): granule cell of connective tissue, labrocyte, mastocyte, tissue basophil [G. Mastszellen, well-fed c. (Ehrlich)]

mast cell

n. A cell found in connective tissue that contains numerous basophilic granules and releases substances such as heparin and histamine in response to injury or inflammation of bodily tissues.

mast cell

A ubiquitous immune surveillance cell, which is larger than basophils, with irregular and frequently elongated spindle shapes and cytoplasmic extensions. Mast cell (MC) nuclei are round and usually visible among the granules, which may overlay the edges of the nucleus slightly; the cytoplasm is usually packed with black or bluish-black metachromatic granules. MCs have a long—months to years—lifespan, in contrast to other “nonspecific” immune cells, such as PMNs (hours) or macrophages (weeks to months); they proliferate at the site of inflammation, have receptors for CR3 (complement), FcγR (IgG) and FcεR (IgE).
Like basophils, MCs are activated by cross-linking of IgE on the cell surface and secrete neutrophil and eosinophil chemotactic factors, histamine, leukotrienes, neutral proteases, peroxidase, serotonin, superoxide dismutase, PGs and platelet-activating factor; factor release may be evoked by various substances (e.g., hormones, peptides, proteins, calcium ionophores, narcotics, muscle relaxants, dextran, complement C3a and C5a (anaphylotoxins)). The MC is detected by measuring serum trypticase, a neutral protease in MC secretory granules; levels > 4 ng/ml indicate systemic mast cell activation. Found in connective tissue, MCs secrete histamine and heparin, causing some of the changes of allergic reactions, phagocytoses and killing of bacteria.

mast cell

(mast sel) A connective tissue cell that contains coarse, basophilic, metachromatic granules; secretes heparin and histamine.
Synonym(s): mastocyte. [Ger. Mastszellen, well-fed cell (Ehrlich)]

MAST CELL

mast cell

A large tissue cell resembling a basophil, which is essential for inflammatory reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) but does not circulate in the blood. Mast cells are present throughout the body in connective tissue, but are concentrated beneath the skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Mast cells are covered with IgE molecules, which bind with foreign antigens and stimulate degranulation, releasing such mediators as histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and proteinases from densely packed granules within the cytoplasm. These mediators produce type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, allergic rhinitis, asthma, angioedema, and systemic anaphylaxis). See: illustrationSee also: cell

mast cell

A connective tissue cell found in large numbers in the skin and mucous membranes and in the lymphatic system. The mast cell plays a central part in allergic reactions. It contains numerous large granules-collections of powerfully irritating chemical substances such as HISTAMINE; SEROTONIN; HEPARIN; the proteases tryptase and chymase; CYTOKINES; PROSTAGLANDINS; and LEUKOTRIENES. In people with allergies, the antibody (immunoglobulin), IgE, remains attached to specific receptors on the surface of the mast cells. When the substance causing the allergy (the ALLERGEN) contacts the IgE, the mast cell is triggered to release these substances and the result is the range of allergic symptoms and signs. CHROMOGLYCATE can stabilize the mast cell membrane and prevent the release of the contents. Mast cells closely resemble blood basophil cells, and the latter also carry receptors for IgE. The mast cell has recently emerged as an important element in the inflammatory events leading to joint damage in RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. See also ATOPY.

mast cell

a type of large, amoeboid cell found in the matrix of CONNECTIVE TISSUE, that produces HEPARIN and HISTAMINE and is probably important in quick-acting responses to ANTIGENS (see IMMUNE RESPONSE).

Mast cell

A cell found in connective tissue that releases substances such as heparin and histamine in response to injury or inflammation of bodily tissues.Mentioned in: H-2 Blockers

mast cell

(mast sel) Connective tissue cell that contains coarse, basophilic, metachromatic secretory granules that contain, among other pharmacologic agents, heparin, histamine, and eosinophilic chemotactic factor.

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Synonyms for mast cell

noun a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine and heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation

Synonyms

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