Viability and recovery from degranulation of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells

Using a culture system that allows prolonged maintenance of purified populations of peritoneal mast cells, we have examined them following stimulation by non-immunologic or immunologic agents. Employing phase-contrast microscopy of living cells and various pharmacological manipulations, we have noted that the recovery process includes a reduction in cell size, the probable sealing of exocytotic cavities, a pronounced displacement of the cell nucleus and a resynthesis of histamine. During recovery, mast cells can entrap molecules from the extracellular fluid and later release these substances by a Ca-dependent mechanism. Our results suggest that microfilaments, calmodulin, Ca, and metabolic energy are necessary for recovery.