Mast cells are tissue-based inflammatory cells having a hematopoietic origin that respond to the signals of the adaptive and innate immunity, with a quick and delayed release of the inflammatory mediators. These are mainly found in association with the blood vessels and at the epithelial surfaces. These cells are pivotal to the pathogenesis of the diseases of immediate hypersensitivity and mastocytosis. However, they are also implicated in the host responses to pathogens, fibrosis, autoimmune diseases and healing of wounds.
On the other hand, eosinophils are granulocytes that were first described to stain with the acid aniline dyes (eosin). The blood and tissue eosinophilia are symbolic of helminth infections, asthma, allergies, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and numerous rare disorders.
Difference Between Mast cells And Eosinophils
The table below shows key differences between mast cells and eosinophils. Read on to find out.
|
Mast cells |
Eosinophils |
|
Size |
|
|
6-12μm |
12–17 micrometres |
|
Site of Maturation |
|
|
Connective tissues |
Matures in bone marrow before moving to blood vessels. |
|
Primary Location |
|
|
Tissues |
In healthy individuals, eosinophils are found in the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, gut, uterus, mammary glands, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. |
|
Life Span |
|
|
Months |
8-12 hours in circulation; in tissues, it is 8-12 days. |
|
Nucleus |
|
|
Oval or round |
Two-lobed nucleus |
|
Nature of Granules |
|
|
Smaller and numerous compared to basophils. |
Granules contain Rnase, histamines, Dnase, plasminogen, eosinophil peroxidase, lipase and main basic proteins. |
|
Function |
|
|
Contribute to homeostasis in the immune system. They serve as the first line of defense against antigens which enter the body, as a result of their location in the mucosa and skin. |
They are involved in the triggering of inflammatory responses in allergic disorders. |
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