ABSTRACT
Mast cells contain a mononuclear nucleus and multiple cytoplasmic granules. These intracellular cytoplasmic granules contain numerous mediators, such as proteins, proteoglycans, peptides, and amines. The membrane of the mast cell possesses many varied surface receptors. There are several types of immune cells that could potentially play a role in mediating the uterine function mainly through the release of their cellular contents to affect the surrounding tissue. Stromal cells have the ability to regulate the differentiation of mast cells. These mast cells also exhibit the ability to influence their microenvironment through the regulation of certain stromal cells by their intracellular contents. Mast cells have the ability to release mediators in response to the appropriate stimulation. Mediators may be stored in intracellular granules and released upon activation by exocytosis, or they may be synthesized upon cell activation. Certain agents have the ability to elicit a mast cell response, resulting in the activation and subsequent release of mediators.
