Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers are the name given to a group of medicines that prevent the release of histamine and other powerful chemical mediators from mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that are part of our immune system and play a key role in our body's response to antigens (a toxic or foreign substance that is perceived as a threat by our body and which induces an immune response).

Mast cells are involved in allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, eczema, itch, and reproductive disorders. The mast cell stabilizers cromolyn and nedocromil work by blocking a calcium channel that is essential for mast cell degranulation (the release of chemical mediator-containing secretory granules which occurs after exposure to a specific antigen).

Mast cell stabilizers may be used to prevent asthma and symptoms of seasonal or chronic allergic rhinitis.