Mast cells in Health and Disease: A Review

Abstract

Mast cell, the MASTER CELL has derived its name from the ′overfed granules.′ Mast cells are derived from bone marrow and are granule containing cells. Their distribution is preferentially about micro vascular bed in connective tissue environment. These cells help in maintaining the nutrition of connective tissue and are considered the sentinels of innate immunity. They function as gate keeper cells and are implicated in many biological processes. Mast cell population is now recognized for its immunoregulatory properties. This review is an insight into two facets of mast cell: Mast cell in Health & Disease.

Keywords

• Mast cell
• Metachromasia
• mast cell degranulation