Mast cell/basophil function

Fig. 4. Regulatory T-cell functions suppression of DCs that support the generation of effector T cells suppression of ThI, Th2, and ThI 7 cells suppression of allergen-specific IgE and induction of lgG4, IgA, or both suppression of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils interaction with resident tissue cells and remodeling, and suppression of effectorT-cell migration to tissues. 

Heparin is biosynthesized and stored (probably as a complex with histamine and other basic species) in basophilic granules of mast cells of many animal tissues. (Mast cells, whose function remains largely obscure, are located in connective tissues, near the capillaries, and in the walls of blood vessels.10 28 27)... 

Cyclosporine demonstrates immunosuppressive activity by inhibiting the first phase of T-cell activation. It also inhibits release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, basophils, and polymorphonuclear cells. It is used in the treatment of both cutaneous and arthritis manifestations of severe psoriasis. The usual dose is between 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses. Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypertension, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, alterations in liver function tests, elevations of serum lipids, GI intolerance, paresthesias, hypertrichosis, and gingival hyperplasia. Cumulative treatment for more than 2 years may increase the risk of malignancy, including skin cancers and lymphoproliferative disorders. 

Basophils are the least numerous and least well characterized of the circulating leukocytes. While they are not derived from the same progenitor cell as tissue mast cells, basophils and mast cells have several similar functions, including their participation in hypersensitivity reactions. Basophils have also been attributed roles in plasma lipolysis, parasite immunity, tumor cell cytotoxicity, and hemostasis. Increases have been associated with persistent lipemia, parasitism, allergic diseases, certain neoplastic diseases, and administration of certain drugs (e.g., heparin, penicillin). 

There are f adrenergic receptors on cell types in the airways other than bronchial smooth muscle. Of particular interest, stimulation of P2 adrenergic receptors inhibits the function of numerous inflammatory cells, including mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. In general, stimulating adrenergic receptors in these cells increase intracellular cyclic AMP, ultimately inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. 

These data suggest that garlic, particularly AGE, may directly and/or indirectly modify the functions of mast cells, basophils and activated T lymphocytes which play a leading role in allergic cascade reactions including inflammation. 

Basophils are the least abundant of the leukocytes and account for less than 1% of the total number of white blood cells. They are similar structurally and functionally to the mast cells found in connective tissues, especially in the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Basophils and mast cells play an important role in allergic reactions. The granules of these cells contain many substances, including ... 

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