ABSTRACT
The inflammatory response in asthma is a result of excessive activation of mast cells in the airways and their subsequent degranulation. There are two distinct phases, early and late (32).
Mast cells (33) contain a host of pro-inflammatory mediators which are released when the mast cells degranulate. This occurs when IgE molecules bound to the
mast cell (i.e. following initial sensitization) become cross-linked by an appropriate allergen.
