Mast cells and eosinophils as regulators of functional homeostasis in the gastric mucosa.

The numerous mast cells of the interstitial tissue of the gastric mucosa are the sites of histamine synthesis and storage. If this biogenic amine is liberated from these cells it transmits simulation of gastric acid secretion to the epithelial cells. However, the effect of this released histamine is limited by the eosinophilic leukocytes, which find their way to the origin of histamine and decompose it. The functional level of these two kinds of cells is controlled by the neuroendocrine system.