Mast cells in chronic inflammation, pain and depression

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated a key role for mast cells in the pathophysiology of pain as well as in anxiety and depression. Mast cell degranulation-induced persistent release of cytotoxic mediators is responsible for producing deleterious effects in different tissues where mast cells reside and for the shift from acute to chronic inflammation and pain.
In addition, the release of mast cell neuroactive mediators might contribute to the development of clinically relevant behavioral symptoms and neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and major depression.