mast cell

noun

ˈmast- 

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (such as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions

Examples of mast cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the complications of mast cell activation syndrome, including drops in blood pressure, flushing, severe itching and rashes, Ms. Banks relied on alternative therapies, including reiki, hypnosis, emotional freedom technique, quantum healing and regression therapy. —Alex Williams, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Other conditions, including chronic Lyme, mast cell activation syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME/CFS, have mostly been ignored. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 15 Mar. 2024

But the researchers found something else, too, in their bladders: mast cells, immune cells that play a role in allergies and asthma by releasing the chemical histamine. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024

Her mother, Teresa Sweeney Light, told Fox News Digital the doctor was also diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2024

Research has found that with COVID, mast cells release histamines.3 An increase in histamines helps blood flow easily to the infection site. —Korin Miller, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

Some conditions such as having systemic mastocytosis, or other mast cell disorders, seem to increase one’s risk of having a severe allergic reaction. —Brittany Edelmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023

Fluctuating estrogen can also increase a person’s mast cells, a type of immune cell that triggers inflammation in the brain and often increases headache pain, Dr. Renthal says. —Julia Ries, SELF, 8 Aug. 2023

This process leads to the release of cortisol, other stress hormones, and mast cells. —Taylyn Washington-Harmon, Health, 29 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Mastzelle, from Mast food, mast (from Old High German) + Zelle cell

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mast cell

noun

ˈmast- 

: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions