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Trigeminal nerve stimulation triggers oral mast cell activation and vascular permeability

Mohammed A Alhelal1, Iro Palaska2, Smaro Panagiotidou2

  • 1Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Periodontology, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|December 17, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Trigeminal nerve stimulation activates mast cells and increases oral vascular permeability. This suggests mast cell inhibitors could treat oral inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Oral Biology

Background:

  • The nervous system plays a role in oral inflammation.
  • Mast cells (MCs) contribute to oral inflammation through mediator release.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate trigeminal nerve (TN) stimulation effects on mast cell activation and oral vascular permeability.
  • To examine the role of substance P in these processes.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were injected with Evans Blue (EB) to assess vascular permeability.
  • Trigeminal nerve (TN) stimulation or sham operation was performed.
  • Rats treated neonatally with capsaicin were used to deplete substance P.

Main Results:

  • TN stimulation caused EB extravasation and mast cell degranulation on the ipsilateral side.
  • No difference in mast cell degranulation was observed between vehicle and capsaicin-treated rats, suggesting other neuropeptides are involved.

Conclusions:

  • TN stimulation activates mast cells and increases oral vascular permeability.
  • This finding suggests mast cell inhibitors may be beneficial for treating oral inflammatory diseases.

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