Functional role of mast cells in the brain

Although mast cells are immune cells most commonly implicated in allergy and other hypersentive reactions, they are also resident in the brain. Mast cells migrate to the brain following mating and stress, and also in disease states such as multiple sclerosis. However, the function of central mast cells still remains largely unknown. I'm exploring the possible role of central mast cells in neural basis of thermoregulatory control following detection of a pathogen. We're also beginning to pursue their potential effects on behavior, such as generalized arousal or anxiety.