Mast cells

Looks like

Large tissue cells packed with dark granules, sitting under the skin and the linings of the airways and gut.

What it does

Release histamine and other chemicals at once when they meet an allergen, causing swelling, itching and wheezing.

Keeping it well

They drive hay fever, hives and anaphylaxis. Swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficult breathing, needs adrenaline and an emergency call.

Related conditions

• Allergy & anaphylaxis
• HIV infection
• Mast cell activation & mastocytosis
• Neonatal sepsis
• Neutropenic sepsis
• Primary immunodeficiency
• Sepsis
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Transplant rejection & graft-versus-host disease
• Urticaria & angioedema