Mast cells as novel mediators of reproductive processes

• Main Authors: Katja eWoidacki, Federico eJensen, Ana Claudia Zenclussen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2013-02-01
• Series: Frontiers in Immunology
• Subjects: Mast Cells; Placenta; Pregnancy; Uterus; implantation
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fimmu.2013.00029/full

The relationship between mast cells (MCs) and pregnancy is a controversially discussed topic. The presence and quantitative distribution of mast cells in the reproductive tract was confirmed in different species. A phase-dependent oscillation of mast cells during the hormonal regulated oestrous 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.