Measuring degranulation of mast cells.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mast cells and basophils are key immune cells involved in allergic responses.
• Activation of these cells leads to the release of preformed mediators from secretory granules.
• Measuring this mediator release is crucial for understanding IgE receptor-mediated signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe standardized methods for measuring exocytosis of preformed mediators from activated mast cells.
• To provide protocols for quantifying specific mediators including biogenic amines and enzymes.
• To enable the assessment of IgE receptor-mediated mast cell activation.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of serotonin and histamine release from activated rodent and human mast cells.
• Quantification of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme released during degranulation.
• Discussion of assays for other degranulation enzymes like beta-hexosaminidase and tryptase.

Main Results:

• Established protocols for measuring biogenic amine secretion (serotonin, histamine).
• Detailed methods for quantifying beta-glucuronidase release, a marker of degranulation.
• Presented adaptable techniques for analyzing various secreted enzymes.

Conclusions:

• The described methods accurately measure mast cell and basophil degranulation.
• These protocols are valuable tools for studying IgE receptor-mediated cell activation.
• The assays provide insights into allergic and inflammatory processes.