Mast Cells

Thank you Dr. Leela.

I have a feeling I am dealing with a mold overload from the home I live in and it is causing my strong reactions and autoimmune responses. I am moving from this house soon and hopefully when I am out, I can better guage how my body responds. Then I will ask your advice. Thank you again!! Great information!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230976/#bibr387-0022155414545334

ABSTRACT: Since first described by Paul Ehrlich in 1878, mast cells have been mostly viewed as effectors of allergy. It has been only in the past two decades that mast cells have gained recognition for their involvement in other physiological and pathological processes. Mast cells have a widespread distribution and are found predominantly at the interface between the host and the external environment. Mast cell maturation, phenotype and function are a direct consequence of the local microenvironment and have a marked influence on their ability to specifically recognize and respond to various stimuli through the release of an array of biologically active mediators. These features enable mast cells to act as both first responders in harmful situations as well as to respond to changes in their environment by communicating with a variety of other cells implicated in physiological and immunological responses. Therefore, the critical role of mast cells in both innate and adaptive immunity, including immune tolerance, has gained increased prominence. Conversely, mast cell dysfunction has pointed to these cells as the main offenders in several chronic allergic/inflammatory disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mast cell function in both normal and pathological conditions with regards to their regulation, phenotype and role.

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Mast Cell Activation

Mast cells may be activated by several distinct stimuli acting on numerous receptors on the mast cell surface. The range and nature of mast cell responses to different stimuli can be influenced by intrinsic and microenvironmental factors that affect the expression or functionality of surface receptors and/or signaling molecules that contribute to these responses (Galli et al. 2005b; Metcalfe et al. 2009).

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Physiological Functions of Mast Cells

Mast cells have an immunomodulatory as well as a physiological function in the epithelium, endothelium, and nervous system. Their ubiquitous distribution places mast cells in a privileged position to act not only as guardians of the immune system, but to also participate in many biological processes and in the maintenance of homeostasis (Weller et al. 2011).

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Allergy

Allergies arise when components of the immune system, particularly mast cells, respond in an inappropriate manner to innocuous antigens. Mast cells are recognized as the main effector cell responsible for IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Sensitization is the primary immune response in which allergens are recognized, processed, and presented by APCs to naive T lymphocytes that recognize the allergen as foreign and differentiate into Th2 lymphocytes. Th2 lymphocytes produce cytokines that then induce antigen-specific IgE production by B lymphocytes. Mast cells also have the capacity to process and present antigens through MHCI and MHCII complexes. Therefore, mast cells themselves have a role in sensitization. Furthermore, there is evidence that they coordinate and direct Th2 responses toward innocuous antigens (Eisenbarth et al. 2002; Nigo et al. 2006).

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Mast Cells need to get back to normal function - rather than abnormal response causing symptoms. This correction is done by ones own immune system setting itself right - and the homeopathic remedies , correctly selected enhance and guide this process. Anti -inflammatory or suppressive allopathic medication, instead simply prevent any expressing, with the underlying mechanism getting worse and more disturbed. If we understand this basic perspective, we will realise how much suppressive effect needs to be undone before correction can take place.. and hence time frame of cure increases.

The understanding of the immune system has advanced and is advancing daily - but we are still in no position to think it can be treated or controlled easily with this knowledge - the processes are too complex. I say this from from the Modern Medicine Standpoint.

Homeopathic constitutional remedies simplify this by prescribing a constitutional remedy (and or specific/phase remedy) that simply helps the wisdom of the body to correct itself.

Here is a technical article available - I have posted a couple of excerpts:

Hi Candace,

There are two ways to address this issue.

One is the constitutional remedy chosen... this remedy calms down the immune system to respond appropriately while at the same time removing the toxic stimulus through discharges or secretions or waste elimination.

When this is caused by toxins of medicine and chemicals.. it is that much harder to get rid of and takes time.

Second is the specific remedy that can directly act on various cells.that cause an inflammatory response - like mast cells.. eosinophils..etc.

Some of hese remedies are Apis, ledum, sulphur, bovista, urtica urents, nat mur, nat sulph, etc. But they too are matched and chosen on symptom similarity and modalities of the presenting symptoms.

Both these remedy actions complement each other.