These are a group of cells that line the capillaries of tissues that come in contact with the outside, for example skin, sinuses, and lung mucosa. They, like their first cousin basophils, are produced in the red bone marrow and migrate to the appropriate tissues, where they stay. They bind IgE, supply the histamine and heparin response that gives you a healing inflammation, and cause allergies.

	Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Recommendation Bioflavonoids "...Quercetin appears to stabilize the membranes of the mast cells that release histamine..." Allergy to Foods (Hidden) Our Question about epigastric pain "...Sometimes mast cells are involved in allergic reactions and release chemicals such as histamine..." Asthma Recommendation Bioflavonoids "...It has been shown to inhibit histamine release from mast cells and basophils when stimulated by antigens (triggers)..." Bioflavonoids As A Treatment "...It appears to stabilize the membranes of the mast cells that release histamine..." Heparin As A Treatment "Heparin is a naturally-occurring anticoagulant produced by basophils and mast cells..." Histamine Therapy As A Treatment "...For this response to occur, a free-floating IgE (an immunoglobulin associated with allergic response) molecule specific to the antigen must first be attached to cell surface receptors on mast cells..." Hives The Condition "...The reaction involves the release of histamine from either mast cells or basophils causing an IgE (immediate type) mediated antibody response..." Relationship to Autoimmune Tendency "...hives have an autoimmune origin which means, in about 30% of patients, that the immune system is producing antibodies against normal substances in the body and triggering the release of histamine by mast cells..." Recommendation Conventional Drug Use "...This is because in people with hives, histamine is being released by mast cells in the tissues which in turn initiaties the irritation and accumulations of fluid..." IgE Related Topic "...IgE travels to mast cells, sticks to their surfaces, and when antigens get stuck to the IgE, the mast cells secrete inflammatory compounds such as histamine..." Test for Inhalant Allergies As A Treatment "...Upon encountering an allergen, IgE activates special cells called mast cells, which in turn release chemicals called mediators -- such as histamine, the chemical that causes redness and swelling..." Tylophora As A Treatment "...] Test tube studies suggest that tylophorine is able to interfere with the action of mast cells, which are key components in the process of inflammation..."

Last updated: Apr 07, 2008