During an asthma attack, cells called mast cells that lie just under the mucosal membrane of the airways release histamine, which in turn leads to inflammation of the mucosal membrane. Which type of signaling does this represent?
A) autocrine
B) paracrine
C) endocrine
D) exocrine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an asthma attack, the release of histamine by mast cells under the mucosal membrane of the airways affects nearby cells (in this case, the mucosal membrane), making this a paracrine signaling event. Autocrine signaling would affect the same cell that produced the signaling molecule, endocrine signaling would involve signaling over long distances through the circulatory system, and exocrine signaling involves the release of a substance onto an epithelial surface, such as sweat or digestive enzymes.

During an Asthma Attack, Cells Called Mast Cells That Lie