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24. Identification of Mast Cells and Mast Cell Subpopulations
| Abstract |
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Mast cells generate mediators of inflammation which are stored in granules and secreted on activation either by allergen crosslinking
of membrane-bound IgE or through other stimuli. Most methods for mast cell identification rely on the histochemical detection
of constituents of the secretory granules. Although staining for mast cells with histochemical stains can be rapid and relatively
inexpensive, it is not always possible to distinguish reliably between mast cells and basophils in tissues. A further problem
with the staining of mast cells with commonly used basic dyes is that the reagents employed to fix the tissues can influence
the results, leading to confusion regarding the numbers of mast cells present in various tissues. Recognition that there is
considerable heterogeneity between mast cell populations in the degree to which staining properties are lost with formalin
fixation has led to mast cell subsets being defined on this basis.
The development and application of procedures for identifying mast cell proteases has led to important advances in our understanding
of the role of mast cells and in the nature of heterogeneity in man. The techniques described here should allow the reliable
detection of mast cells and mast cell subsets in a range of tissues and cell preparations. There will be a continuing need
for validation, for consideration of potential sources of error, and for the development of new and more reliable techniques
for mast cell identification.
Book Title: Allergy Methods and Protocols
Series: Methods in Molecular Medicine | Volume: 138 | Pub. Date: Dec-07-2007 | Page Range: 285-297 | DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-366-0_24
Subject: Microbiology
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