Mast cells tend to have different functions depending on where they are located. They are also activated through various receptors by different stimuli. Once mast cells are activated, they produce chemicals that mediate – or control – various bodily reactions.
For example, mast cells in the airways have receptors that bind to a protein known as IgE. Once the mast cells have been activated, they produce histamine and other substances that cause immediate airway inflammation, which leads to asthma symptoms. Mast cells also produce substances that contribute to chronic airway inflammation.
Some asthma medicines seek to interfere with mast cell prevent or relieve asthma symptoms.
Source:
Metcalfe, DD, Baram, D, Mekori, YA. Mast cells. Physiol Rev; 1997 Oct;77(4):1033-79. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9354811>
