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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
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Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays
Published on: July 4, 2018
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Communication between mast cells and rat submucosal neurons.
Anna Bell1, Mike Althaus, Martin Diener
1Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|September 17, 2014
Summary
Histamine, released during food allergies, affects rat submucosal neurons primarily through H1 receptors. This highlights a key communication pathway between mast cells and the enteric nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Histamine is a critical mediator released by mast cells, particularly during allergic reactions like food allergies.
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a vital role in gastrointestinal function, and its interaction with immune cells is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of histamine on rat submucosal neurons.
- To elucidate the specific histamine receptor subtypes and signaling mechanisms involved in this neuro-immune communication.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunocytochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect histamine receptors (H1, H2, H3) on cultured rat submucosal neurons.
- Measured cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration changes in neurons upon histamine stimulation.
- Performed co-culture experiments with mast cell equivalents (RBL-2H3 cells) and antigen challenge in sensitized rats.
- Assessed electrophysiological responses (short-circuit current, I sc) in colonic tissue preparations.
Main Results:
- Histamine induced a biphasic increase in neuronal cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, involving both intracellular release and extracellular influx.
- H1 and, to a lesser extent, H2 receptors were identified as the primary mediators of histamine's effect on neurons.
- Mast cell degranulation triggered by compound 48/80 increased neuronal Ca(2+) concentration, an effect inhibited by H1 and H2 receptor antagonists.
- In vivo, antigen exposure in sensitized rats increased colonic I sc, which was significantly inhibited by the H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine.
Conclusions:
- Histamine exerts significant effects on rat submucosal neurons, primarily mediated by H1 receptors.
- Submucosal neurons express functional histamine receptors, indicating their involvement in neuro-immune signaling.
- H1 receptors on submucosal neurons are pivotal in mediating communication between mast cells and the enteric nervous system, particularly in allergic responses.
