mast cells and basophils
Last reviewed 01/2018
- cells of the inate immune system
- mast cells and basophils
- are
very similar
- both contain electron dense granules in the cytoplasm
- are
very similar
- basophils are so-called because their granules stain with a basic dye
- mast cells are present in close proximity to blood vessels in connective tissue
- basophils are found in the circulation
- basophils and mast cells
- are important in the initiation of the acute inflammatory response
- cell
degranulation is achieved either by binding to components of the complement system
or by cross-linking of the IgE antibody
- there is a release of pro-inflammatory
mediators including histamine and various cytokine
- histamine results in vasodilation and augments vascular permeability
- cytokines are important in attracting both neutrophils and eosinophils
- there is a release of pro-inflammatory
mediators including histamine and various cytokine