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Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
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The role of mast cell in tissue morphogenesis. Thymus, duodenum, and mammary gland as examples

Domenico Ribatti1, Enrico Crivellato2

  • 1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy; National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy.

Experimental Cell Research
|December 1, 2015
PubMed

Mast cells (MCs) are strategically located at host/environment interfaces like skin, airways, and gastro-intestinal and uro-genital tracts. MCs also populate connective tissues in association with blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves. MCs are absent in avascular tissues, such as mineralized bone, cartilage, and cornea. MCs have various functions and different functional subsets of MCs are encountered in different tissues. However, we do not' know exactly what is the physiological function of MC. Most of these functions are not essential for life, as various MC-deficient strains of mice and rats seems to have normal life spans. In this review article, we have reported and discussed the literature data concerning the role of MCs in tissue morphogenesis, and in particular their role in the development of thymus, duodenum, and mammary gland.

Keywords:
DuodenumMammary glandMast cellsMorphogenesisThymus

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