Mast cells in connective tissue diseases

Mast cells in the inflammatory connective tissue diseases

Objective: To detect mast cells in normal human skin and mast cell infiltration in skin biopsies in patients with systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and persons not suffering from any systemic disease. Material and methods: Paraffin histological sections were stained with toluidine blue and by immunoperoxidase method for the von Willebrand factor. Results: I...

Chondroitin sulphate inhibits connective tissue mast cells.

1. Mast cells derive from the bone marrow and are responsible for the development of allergic and possibly inflammatory reactions. Mast cells are stimulated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific antigen, but also by a number of neuropeptides such as neurotensin (NT), somatostatin or substance P (SP), to secrete numerous pro-inflammatory molecules that include histamine, cytokines and proteolyt...

Connective tissue diseases.

Undiagnosed connective tissue diseases

Among different subgroups of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), those associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have distinct hemodynamic and prognostic features; a correct etiologic diagnosis is thus mandatory.To estimate frequency and prognosis of previously undiagnosed CTDs in a suspect idiopathic (i) PAH cohort.Consecutive patients with PAH confirmed by right heart catheterizati...

Vistas in Connective Tissue Diseases

each excellent paper there is a discussion by the very distinguished members of the study group. The reviewer is, as might be surmised, in favor of disease-orientated research, believing that the application of basic science to clinical problems is the essence of modern medicine. He also believes that conferences such as this provide an opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas. Unfortunatel...