BIOM30001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Mast Cell, Immunoglobulin E, Atopy
Document Summary
Electron-dense granules can fuse with pm and release contents. Discovered by paul ehrlich (cid:858)(cid:373)astzelle(cid:374)(cid:859)- well fed cells! Heavily stained by chemical dyes due to granules. One of his many observations/ advances in immunology. Best known for their role in allergic diseases. Particularly prevalent at body sites in contact with the external environment: found in highest density in skin/gut/lung - so they could be playing a protective role, but are not restricted to these locations. Stain for tryptase found only in mast cells. In some situations mast cells can send projections through endothelial cells, into lumen of blood vessels. Hypothesised that they are actively "fishing" for ige, giving a reason for their proximity to blood vessels. Activated by many different stimuli - broadens their potential for involvement in various disorders. Complement fragments (c3a, and c5a are anaphylotoxins and bind gpcr on mast cells) Physical trauma can rupture mast cells and release factors.
