mast cell
noun
\ ˈmast-
\
\
Definition of mast cell
: 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
IgE antibodies normally attach themselves to a white blood mast cell, which secretes histamine to cause sneezing, which then expels the pollen or other offending allergen. — Sam Roberts, New York Times, "Dr. Teruko Ishizaka, Who Advanced Allergy Treatment, Dies at 92," 13 June 2019 These can include antihistamines (which come in pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops), steroid nasal sprays, mast cell inhibitors, and leukotriene modifiers. — Marisa Cohen, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Relief From Fall Allergies, According to an Allergist," 19 June 2019 Conversely, estradiol may also be able to stimulate mast cells to activate and release histamine more easily, Dr. Shah says, so this could be a cycle of sorts. — Krissy Brady, SELF, "Is Your Food Allergy Really a Histamine Intolerance?," 27 July 2018 Histiocytoma: This is a mass that often mimics the mast cell tumor in appearance. — Dr. Patty Khuly, miamiherald, "Most lumps are nothing serious, but don't take a chance. Call the vet.," 5 July 2018 The antibodies hold onto white blood cells, called mast cells and basophils. — Maureen Langley, Post-Tribune, "Experts: Indiana's allergy season worse than usual this year," 3 July 2018 On the second and subsequent occasions when peanut protein comes along, the mast cells recognize it and start producing histamine and other immune compounds. — Amber Dance, Washington Post, "Peanut allergy is one of the most severe food allergies. New therapies might help.," 12 May 2018 Her team went on to help create Palladia, a drug to treat mast cell tumors in dogs, and the first cancer drug specifically approved for dogs. — Amy Sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, "An experimental cancer treatment cured this dog. Could it work for people?," 16 May 2018 In an allergic person, these anti-peanut antibodies attach to another type of immune cell, called a mast cell, that hangs out in the nose, throat, gastrointestinal tract, lungs and skin. — Amber Dance, Washington Post, "Peanut allergy is one of the most severe food allergies. New therapies might help.," 12 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mast cell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for mast cell
mast cell
noun
\ ˈmast-
\
\
Medical Definition of mast cell
: a granulocyte that occurs especially in connective tissue and has basophilic granules containing substances (as histamine and heparin) which mediate allergic reactions