Interactions of mast cells with the nervous system--recent advances.
This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of mast cell-nervous system interactions. It is drawn largely from work published within the last ten years, and discusses the anatomical and biochemical evidence of a functional connection between mast cells and the nervous system, and the implications that such a relationship may have for normal and abnormal physiological functioning. Mast cells are found at varying levels of association with the nervous system; in CNS parenchyma (mainly thalamus), in connective tissue coverings (e.g. meninges, endoneurium), and in close apposition to peripheral nerve endings in a variety of tissues. There is, as yet, no clearly defined role for mast cells in nervous system function, or vice-versa, and it seems most likely that their interactions fulfil mutually modulatory roles. By extension, pathological situations where one of the partners in this relationship is overly stimulated may lead to a dysregulation of the other, and contribute to disease symptomatology.
Johnson
D
D
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Krenger
W
W
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents