Mast cell stabilizer
Mast Cell Stabilizer
A Mast cell stabilizer is a type of medication used primarily for the treatment of certain allergic diseases. These drugs prevent the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine from mast cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response.
Pronunciation
The term "Mast cell stabilizer" is pronounced as /mæst sɛl ˈsteɪbɪlaɪzər/.
Etymology
The term "Mast cell stabilizer" is derived from the English words "mast cell", which refers to a type of white blood cell, and "stabilizer", which refers to something that makes or holds something steady.
Usage
Mast cell stabilizers are used to prevent or control certain allergic disorders. They block a calcium channel essential for mast cell degranulation, stabilizing the cell and thereby preventing the release of histamine and related mediators. One such drug is cromolyn sodium.
Related Terms
- Allergy: A hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.
- Histamine: An organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses.
- Mast cells: A type of white blood cell.
- Cromolyn Sodium: A commonly used mast cell stabilizer.
See Also
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