Mast cell-derived VEGF enhances the passage of IgE FE-3 through the rat aortic endothelial cell monolayer

It is well known that the IgE-mediated allergic reaction in various extravascular tissues is induced by the mutual interaction of IgE, target cells (mast cells, MCs) and allergens. However, so far little has been known about the detailed mechanism whereby IgE in the circulating blood is transferred to the extravascular tissue. To examine whether or not MCs are involved in the permeability of IgE across rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) in vitro, we determined the permeability constant (PC) of dinitrophenyl-specific rat IgE (IgE FE-3) using a dual chamber system.

Isolated RAECs obtained by a primary explant technique were seeded on a collagen-coated membrane in the upper chamber. MCs were collected from the peritoneal cavity of Wistar rats and suspended in the lower chamber. The time-dependent changes in concentration of IgE FE-3 (IgE) in the upper and lower chambers were measured by IgE capture ELISA after addition of IgE (10 microg/ml) to the upper chamber.

The cultured medium of IgE-stimulated MCs significantly increased the PC of IgE (9.86 +/- 0.46 x 10(-6) cm/s), as compared to the value to which calcium ionophore A 23187-stimulated MCs increased the PC of IgE (7.97 +/- 0.21 x 10(-6) cm/s). The increase of PC by IgE-stimulated MCs was most strongly inhibited by suramin (92.3% +/- 1.89), and was weakly inhibited by tranexamic acid, cimetidine and diphenhydramine. In addition, the PC of IgE was increased with the increase in the MC-derived vascular endothelial growth factor/permeability factor (VEGF).

After IgE is transferred from the circulating blood to the extravascular tissue, it may bind to Fc epsilon RI of the MC and the other Fc epsilon RI-bearing cells. The MC is then activated through the interaction of IgE and Fc epsilon RI. Release of VEGF from the activated MC increases, and the VEGF enhances the permeability of IgE.