An Overview of the Physiological and Pathological Role of Mast Cells in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Neurological disorders present a major group of diseases with the global prevalence of 6.3%. They are responsible for 12% global mortality. Mast cells are one of the most abundantly present cell of the immune system in the connective tissue and the central nervous system is not an exception. In this article is presented a review of studies on mast cells regarding their physiological role in cental nervous system. We also disscuss their role in several conditions like: multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, cerebrovascular disorders and central nervous system trauma, epilepsy, seizures and tumors. Finally, we evaluate whether they can be used as a targed for pharmaceutical treatment.

Keywords

• central nervous system
• neuroimmunology
• mast cells
• histamine