Flow cytometry-based monitoring of mast cell activation

Mast cell activation is a central process in the initiation of allergic disorders. As described elsewhere in this volume, this process can be readily monitored by biochemical, antibody-based, and enzyme-based formats when the cell population examined is homogenous. When dealing with mixed and transfected cell populations however, such approaches may not be appropriate. Hence alternative methods are required. Here we describe flow-cytometry-based assays that can be utilized to examine signaling processes and degranulation in both pure mast cell populations and, following appropriate selection, in populations where the mast cells of interest may only represent a fraction of the total cell population.