Mast Cells Explained: Your Body’s Overactive Alarm System

In this solo episode, Dr. Jen introduces mast cells and mast cell activation syndrome, also known as MCAS. She explains that mast cells are protective immune cells found wherever the body meets the outside environment, including the skin, gut, airways, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system. When these cells detect danger, they release histamine, tryptase, cytokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other mediators. When that response becomes excessive or inappropriate, symptoms may appear...