[Mast cells and basophilic granulocytes: their significance in allergic diseases]

Mast cells, and to a lesser extent basophilic granulocytes, have long determined models in the field of pathogenetic mechanisms in allergic disease. Unfortunately this has not resulted in adequate therapy for these diseases, and other cell types such as eosinophils and lymphocytes are now thought to influence allergic mechanisms too. However, knowledge of mast cells has increased to such an extent over the last decade that there may be a "revival" of their importance for allergic disease. In many organs in the body heterogeneity of mast cell morphology has been demonstrated. These different types of mast cells may also release different types of mediators. Moreover, mast cells have recently been shown to be capable of releasing cytokines, which may have a very important bearing on the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Because mast cells and basophils are able to release a wide variety of mediators which may be responsible for many different physiological responses, they remain important cell types for allergy.