Altered response of fibroblasts from human tympanosclerotic membrane to interacting mast cells: Implication for tissue remodeling

Concluding, our data strongly indicate that increased fibroblast sensitivity to mast cell stimulation greatly contributes to the excessive fibrosis and pathological remodeling of the tympanic membrane. We postulate that the persistency of the FsTMS activated state could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis.