Methods for the study of mast cell recruitment and accumulation in different tissues

Mast cells (MC) are important effector cells involved in a wide range of inflammatory diseases. The lineage-committed, tissue-localized progenitor (MCp) is not easily identified histochemically like the mature MC because they lack the distinctive cytoplasmic granules. However, they can be identified by their unique cell surface phenotype and by their ability to be expanded in culture using selective growth factors. Here we describe the methods that allow evaluation of MCp and mature MC in peripheral tissues under basal and inflammatory conditions. Thus, one can enumerate mature MC as well as immature committed progenitors in order to study basal homing, inflammatory recruitment, maturation, and life span. We also provide an analysis of difficulties that could emerge during these procedures.