Mast cell secretion: differences between immunologic and non-immunologic stimulation

Non-immunologic and immunologic stimulation of mast cells have been compared. Non-immunologic stimulation relys heavily on cellular Ca, is unaffected by neuraminidase treatment, shows a rapid inactivation, and elicits no increase in the incorporation of 3H-methyl groups into the lipid fraction. In contrast, stimulation by immunologic agents relys primarily on extracellular Ca, is inhibited by neuraminidase treatment, shows a comparatively slow rate of inactivation, and causes a significant increase in the incorporation of 3H-methyl groups into the lipid fraction. We found no evidence of cross-inactivation or desensitization between immunologic and non-immunologic agents. However, pretreatment of mast cells with neurotensin desensitized them to subsequent stimulation by compound 48/80. Our results support the hypothesis that immunologic and non-immunologic agents activate exocytotic mast cell secretion via separate mechanisms.