Mast cell

Mast cells ( mast cells ) are saved in the cells of the body's defense, the neurotransmitters, including histamine and heparin.

Paul Ehrlich discovered them and called them " mast cells ", probably because he erroneously believed the cells had the ability to phagocytosis. The data stored in their granules produced however, the cell itself says Another version, Ehrlich had assumed that these cells use their fat- containing granules to feed surrounding cells or " fatten " to.

Sometimes also referred to as blood basophils mast cells different from the actual mast cells. These are all over the body distributed in the interstitial connective tissue, but most often in the submucosa of the intestine and airways and in the dermis ( corium ), near vessels and nerves.

The mast cell plays an important role in allergy type 1 ( IgE -mediated allergies such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, systemic anaphylaxis): During the first contact with an allergen, the person concerned initially remains completely symptom -free, but it is the formation of specific IgE antibodies induced by the plasma cells, which are directed against the particular allergen. The mass-produced IgE antibodies contact the base ( Fc - fragment crystallizable part = ) on the surface of mast cells found everywhere in the body, especially in the mucous membranes, occur and sensitize them for the reaction to the allergen. Only at the second contact with the allergen to allergic reaction occurs when the allergens in two adjacent IgE antibodies bind to mast cells, and these are linked to each other. Thus, the mast cells are stimulated to empty their granules in the process of exocytosis and release the histamine contained therein ( degranulation ). Histamine is a neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on the surrounding tissue cells and in a few seconds causes severe effects. This process is known as immediate hypersensitivity reaction ( immune response ), since the allergic symptoms may occur within seconds to minutes. The rapid onset of symptoms is due to the immediate onset of reaction of the surrounding tissue on the secreted substances: blood vessels dilate, fluid accumulates a ( hives ), etc. The numerous positioned in the vicinity of vessels mast cells are actively waiting for IgE.

There is also a non- immunological mast cell degranulation. This means that also a release reaction ( as described in the paragraph above ) takes place, that histamine, heparin, and other mediators by mast cells can be delivered, but that without the involvement of antibodies. Certain molecular structures, such as of drugs are able to trigger the non-immunological mast cell degranulation.

At the age the mast cell number is declining, with the reactivity of the skin and mucous membranes decreases. This corresponds to, inter alia, the outgrowth of a child and adolescent hypersensitivity Blütenstaub/Pollen- and other allergies.