Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
11:31
Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays
Published on: July 4, 2018
The mast cell degranulator compound 48/80 directly activates neurons
Michael Schemann1, Eva Maria Kugler, Sabine Buhner
1Human Biology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany. schemann@wzw.tum.de
Plos One
|December 29, 2012
Summary
Compound 48/80 directly activates enteric neurons and visceral afferents, challenging its role as a selective mast cell activator. This finding suggests mast cell-independent effects in animal models using compound 48/80.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Compound 48/80 is commonly used to activate mast cells in research.
- This study investigates potential direct effects of compound 48/80 on the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if compound 48/80 directly activates enteric neurons and visceral afferents.
- To explore the implications of these direct neuronal effects in experimental models.
Main Methods:
- In vivo recordings of intestinal afferents.
- Calcium imaging of primary neuronal cultures (DRG, nodose, enteric).
- Voltage-sensitive dye imaging in isolated gut preparations.
Main Results:
- Compound 48/80 induced afferent firing and neuronal calcium transients, independent of mast cells.
- These effects were observed in mast cell-deficient enteric neuron cultures.
- Histamine antagonists did not block compound 48/80's action on enteric neurons.
Conclusions:
- Compound 48/80 exerts a direct excitatory effect on enteric neurons and visceral afferents.
- Experimental results using compound 48/80 may involve mast cell-independent mechanisms.
- The mast cell stabilizer cromolyn's effects might also extend beyond mast cells.
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