Heterogeneity of mast cells in the tissues of the respiratory tract and other organ systems.

Heterogeneous cytochemical, morphologic, and functional properties have been shown to exist between populations of mast cells in a variety of tissues, or in different histologic subcompartments of the same tissue. This mast cell heterogeneity has important clinical implications for the understanding and treatment of allergic diseases and other conditions where the involvement of mast cells has been postulated. The evidence and implications of mast cell heterogeneity, particularly in the respiratory system, are the topics of this review.