Role of nitric oxide in mast cells: controversies, current knowledge, and future applications.
Mast cells (MC) are important effector cells in allergic disorders. Recently, the role of MC in innate and adaptive immunity is gaining prominence. Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule and its production in mast cell has been reported widely. However, controversy exists about whether MC produce NO. This review addresses the role of NO in MC biology and the reasons behind the controversy and discusses effects of NO in regulation of MC phenotype and function.
Sekar
Yokananth
Y
Pulmonary Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Moon
Tae Chul
TC
Muñoz
Samira
S
Befus
A Dean
AD
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D051381:Rats
D009569:Nitric Oxide