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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
09:07
Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Central nervous system mast cells in peripheral inflammatory nociception.
Dimitris N Xanthos1, Simon Gaderer, Ruth Drdla
1Department of Neurophysiology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria. juergen.sandkuehler@meduniwien.ac.at.
Molecular Pain
|June 7, 2011
Summary
Spinal mast cells influence pain signaling, but their role in hyperalgesia is complex. While mast cell activation can induce pain sensitivity, inhibiting them doesn't prevent inflammation-induced hyperalgesia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Mast cell-neuronal interactions are poorly understood, particularly in the spinal cord.
- Spinal cord dural mast cells may influence nociception and synaptic plasticity.
- Their role in migraine pathophysiology is suggested but not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of spinal cord dural mast cells in nociception.
- To examine their involvement in synaptic plasticity in the superficial spinal dorsal horn.
- To assess their contribution to hyperalgesia in animal models of inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Examined mast cell number and degranulation in lumbar dura after capsaicin and carrageenan administration.
- Assessed mechanical hyperalgesia and long-term potentiation (LTP) after spinal mast cell supernatant application.
- Utilized mast cell stabilizers and Syk inhibitors to investigate mast cell involvement.
Main Results:
- Mast cell supernatant induced mechanical hyperalgesia and LTP.
- Capsaicin and carrageenan increased lumbar dural mast cell degranulation.
- Mast cell inhibition reduced degranulation but did not affect hyperalgesia.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar dural mast cells are sufficient to induce hyperalgesia.
- However, they are not necessary for capsaicin or carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia.
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