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Mast Cells

Generated in the bone marrow, immature mast cells are released into the circulating blood stream where they play an important role in allergic reactions and inflammation. Mast cells are very similar to basophilic leukocytes, both developing from CD34+ precursor cells. There are two types of mast cells, connective tissue mast cells and mucosal mast cells, which are prominent in areas of the body that are exposed to the external environment (i.e. lung mucosa, digestive track, mouth and nose).