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- Title
Mast cells as novel mediators of reproductive processes.
- Authors
Woidacki, Katja; Jensen, Federico; Zenclussen, Ana C.; Blank, Ulrich; Pucillo, Carlo; Varin-Blank, Nadine
- Abstract
The relationship between mast cells (MCs) and pregnancy is a controversially discussed topic. The presence and quantitative distribution of MCs in the reproductive tract was confirmed in different species. A phase-dependent oscillation of MCs during the hormonal regulated estrous cycle was suggested and on this basis, MCs were assumed to play a positive role in implantation because of their ability to secrete histamine. At later pregnancy stages, they were proposed to have rather a negative role, as their exacerbated activation is associated with pre-term delivery. The present review is intended to provide an overview about uterine MCs that bring to light their unexpected relevance for reproductive processes.
- Subjects
MAST cell physiology; PREGNANCY complications; GENITAL diseases; UTERINE diseases; BIOGENIC amines
- Publication
Frontiers in Immunology, 2013, Vol 4, p1
- ISSN
1664-3224
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3389/fimmu.2013.00029