Human Mast Cells, Basophils and Their Mediators

Abstract

Over 100 years ago Paul Ehrlich identified mast cells in human connective tissues on the basis of the metachromatic staining properties of their prominent cytoplasmic granules [Ehrlich, 1878]. He also described the basophil, a circulating leukocyte containing cytoplasmic granules with staining properties similar to mast cells [Ehrlich, 1879]. Mast cells and basophils share several other notable features. They are among the few cell types that synthesize histamine and other chemical mediators implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of inflammatory and immunological disorders [Marone, 1985; Marone et al.,1988; 1989a]. Both cell types also express plasma membrane receptors (FceRI) that bind the Fc portion of IgE antibody with high affinity [Rossi et al., 1990].