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Age-dependent mast-cell-mediated angiogenesis
K Norrby1, A Jakobsson, J Sörbo
1Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgren's Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract:
In maturing male rats of approximately 5.5,10.5, and 15 weeks of age (groups I, II, and III), the mast-cell-mediated angiogenesis in the mesenterial windows was quantitatively assessed on days 14,21,28, and 35 after the start of intraperitoneal treatment using the mast-cell secretagogue 48/80, and using the saline vehicle. The number of blood vessels per unit length of the central part of the mesenterial window was virtually unaffected by age as well as by the saline treatment. The number of vessels at the mesenterial-window circumference was, however, increased in the older, untreated animals. The postpubescent animals in groups II and III showed a marked mast-cell-mediated angiogenic response lasting until day 28. The relative angiogenic response over the period of 14-28 days clearly increased with advancing age. The highest mean value in group II was about 8 times (p less than 0.001), whereas the highest mean value observed in group III was about 24 times (p less than 0.001) greater than in corresponding saline-treated controls. In contrast, no statistically significant mast-cell-mediated angiogenesis appeared in the prepubescent rats of group I.
Insights
Mast cell secretagogue 48/80 significantly enhanced angiogenesis in maturing rats, with the response increasing with age. Prepubescent rats showed no significant mast-cell-mediated angiogenic response.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Angiogenesis Research
- Mast Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells play a role in angiogenesis.
- The effect of mast cell degranulation on blood vessel formation in different age groups is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess mast cell-mediated angiogenesis in male rats of varying ages.
- To investigate the age-dependent angiogenic response to mast cell degranulation.
Main Methods:
- Male rats (5.5, 10.5, 15 weeks) received intraperitoneal injections of mast cell secretagogue 48/80 or saline.
- Angiogenesis in mesenterial windows was assessed quantitatively on days 14, 21, 28, and 35.
- Vessel counts were compared between treatment groups and age cohorts.
Main Results:
- Angiogenesis was significantly increased in postpubescent rats (10.5 and 15 weeks) treated with 48/80, lasting up to 28 days.
- The angiogenic response magnitude increased with age, with the 15-week group showing a 24-fold increase compared to controls.
- No significant mast cell-mediated angiogenesis was observed in prepubescent rats (5.5 weeks).
Conclusions:
- Mast cell degranulation induces a significant age-dependent angiogenic response in maturing rats.
- The prepubescent stage appears refractory to mast cell-mediated angiogenesis.
- These findings highlight the role of mast cells in age-related vascularization processes.