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Mice lacking histidine decarboxylase exhibit abnormal mast cells.
1Department of Cellular Pharmacology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. ohtsu@mail.cc.tohoku.ac.jp
FEBS Letters
|August 2, 2001
Summary
Histidine decarboxylase (HDC)-deficient mice lack histamine synthesis and show reduced mast cell numbers and altered mast cell morphology. These findings highlight histamine
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Biochemistry
Background:
- Histamine is a crucial biogenic amine synthesized from histidine by histidine decarboxylase (HDC).
- The precise physiological roles of histamine in mammals are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of histamine by generating and characterizing mice deficient in HDC.
- To assess the impact of histamine deficiency on mast cell populations and function.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting was employed to create HDC-deficient mice.
- Phenotypic analysis included assessment of histamine levels, mast cell counts, morphology, and granular protease content.
Main Results:
- HDC-deficient mice exhibited a complete lack of histamine synthesis from histidine.
- These mice were viable and fertile but displayed a significant reduction in mast cell numbers.
- Remaining mast cells showed altered morphology and diminished granular protease levels.
Conclusions:
- HDC-deficient mice serve as a valuable model for studying histamine's roles in physiological and pathological processes.
- Histamine deficiency profoundly impacts mast cell development and characteristics.
