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Mast cell/nerve interactions in vitro and in vivo
J Bienenstock1, G MacQueen, P Sestini
1Molecular Virology and Immunology Program, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Mast cells and nerves form a functional unit that regulates bodily functions like chloride secretion. This interaction, potentially controlled by the central nervous system, has significant implications for health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mast cells and nerve cells are key components of the immune and nervous systems, respectively.
- Evidence suggests a significant interaction between these two cell types.
- This interaction has physiological consequences and regulatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting mast cell/nerve interactions.
- To explore the functional and physiological significance of this communication.
- To consider the implications for health, disease, and therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing morphologic and functional evidence.
- Analysis of experimental models demonstrating mast cell-nerve interactions.
- Examination of studies on psychologic conditioning and mast cell degranulation.
Main Results:
- Morphologic and functional data strongly support a purposeful mast cell/nerve interaction.
- This interaction regulates local events, such as chloride ion secretion in the intestinal and respiratory tracts.
- Psychologic conditioning can induce mast cell degranulation and mediator release in rats, indicating central nervous system control.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells and nerves form a functional homeostatic regulatory unit.
- This interaction plays a role in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes.
- Further investigation is needed to fully understand its role in health and disease, potentially opening new therapeutic avenues.