Mast cells and arthritis.

There is suggestive evidence, both in vitro and in vivo, that mast cells and their products are involved in the pathogenesis of some forms of arthritis. Because mast cells may be activated by both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated stimuli, they provide a putative link between specific antigenic, neurologic, and inflammatory stimuli and synovial inflammation. The degree to which this occurs and the relative clinical significance remains to be defined.