Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
5-hydroxytryptamine induces mast cell adhesion and migration
Nataliya M Kushnir-Sukhov1, Alasdair M Gilfillan, John W Coleman
1Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. nkushnir@niaid.nih.gov
Abstract:
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) is implicated in enhancing inflammatory reactions of skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. To determine whether 5-HT acts, in part, through mast cells (MC), we first established that mouse bone marrow-derived MC (mBMMC) and human CD34(+)-derived MC (huMC) expressed mRNA for multiple 5-HT receptors. We next determined the effect of 5-HT on mouse and human MC degranulation, adhesion, and chemotaxis. We found no evidence that 5-HT degranulates MC or modulates IgE-dependent activation. 5-HT did induce mBMMC and huMC adherence to fibronectin; and immature and mature mBMMC and huMC migration. Chemotaxis was accompanied by actin polymerization. Using receptor antagonists and pertussis toxin, we identified 5-HT(1A) as the principal receptor mediating the effects of 5-HT on MC. mBMMC from the 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout mouse (5-HT(1A)R(-/-)) did not respond to 5-HT. 5-HT did induce accumulation of MC in the dermis of 5-HT(1A)R(+/+) mice, but not in 5-HT(1A)R(-/-) mice. These studies are the first to demonstrate an effect of 5-HT on MC. Furthermore, both mouse and human MC respond to 5-HT through the 5-HT(1A) receptor. Our data are consistent with the conclusion that 5-HT promotes inflammation by increasing MC at the site of tissue injury.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Inflammation
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
