REVIEW OF MAST CELL PROGENITORS

Abstract

Mast cells are cells of immune systems which plays an major role in inflammatory responses such as hypersensitivity reactions. They are found in connective tissues of the body, especially below the surface of the skin, near blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, within nerves, throughout the respiratory system, and in the digestive and urinary tracts. These cells store a variety of different chemical mediators such as histamine, interleukins, proteoglycans (e.g., heparin), and various enzymes. When the mast cell activated by an by an allergen, the mast cells release the contents of their granules into the surrounding tissues. This process was named as Degranulation. This chemical mediators produce local responses characteristic of an allergic reaction, such as increased permeability of blood vessels (i.e., inflammation and swelling), contraction of smooth muscles (e.g., bronchial muscles), and increased mucus production. Mast cells are produced from the mast cell progenitors in the place of bone marrow by the process regulated by transcription factors. Based on the character of Surface markers the mast cells are characterized by flow cytometry. The centre of attraction of this review article was the origin and development of mast cell progenitors.