Related Experiment Videos
Structural alterations in fibroblast monolayers caused by mast cell degranulation.
H Ginsburg1, M Amira, J Padawer
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Insitute of Technology, Haifa.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Mast cells release histamine and undergo structural changes during degranulation. Soybean trypsin inhibitor prevented fibroblast dislocation, suggesting mast cell chymase causes these cellular events.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mature mast cells can be cultured on fibroblast monolayers.
- Mast cell degranulation can be triggered by specific antigens.
- Mast cell mediators play roles in cellular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic process of mast cell degranulation.
- To identify the specific mast cell components responsible for cellular structural changes during degranulation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing mouse lymph node cells on embryonic fibroblast monolayers.
- Inducing mast cell degranulation using anti-DNP IgE and antigen.
- Observing degranulation dynamics via time-lapse cinematography and scanning electron microscopy.
- Testing the effects of various inhibitors on mast cell degranulation and associated fibroblast changes.
Main Results:
- Mast cell excitation and degranulation occurred within seconds of antigen addition.
- Degranulation led to rapid fibroblast cytoplasm displacement and exposure of the underlying fibrous network.
- Soybean trypsin inhibitor was the only tested agent that inhibited fibroblast dislocation.
- Histamine and serotonin receptor antagonists, indomethacin, cortisol, aprotinin, and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride did not inhibit dislocation.
Conclusions:
- Mast cell chymase, a major granule protein, is implicated as the causative agent for fibroblast cytoplasm dislocation during degranulation.
- The study reveals dynamic cellular interactions between mast cells and fibroblasts during allergic responses.