MAST-CELLS IN NEUROIMMUNE FUNCTION - NEUROTOXICOLOGICAL AND NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Mast cells are located in close proximity to neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems, suggesting a functional role in normal a nd aberrant neurodegenerative states. They also possess many of the fe atures of neurons, in terms of monoaminergic systems, responsiveness t o neurotrophins and neuropeptides and the ability to synthesise and re lease bioactive neurotrophic factors. Mast cells are able to secrete a n array of potent mediators which may orchestrate neuroinflammation an d affect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The 'cross-talk' be tween mast cells, lymphocytes, neurons and glia constitutes a neuroimm une axis which is implicated in a range of neurodegenerative diseases with an inflammatory and/or autoimmune component, such as multiple scl erosis and Alzheimer's disease. Mast cells appear to make an important contribution to developing, mature and degenerating nervous systems a nd this should now be recognised when assessing the neurotoxic potenti al of xenobiotics.