Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
An Ex vivo Mast Cell Degranulation Assay using Crude Peritoneal Exudate Cells and Natural Antigen Stimulation
Published on: April 27, 2021
α-Phellandrene, a cyclic monoterpene, attenuates inflammatory response through neutrophil migration inhibition and
Halmisson D'Arley S Siqueira1, Benedito S Neto1, Damião P Sousa2
1Medicinal Plants Research Center, Federal University of Piauí, (unnumbered), 64049-550 Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Medicine Faculty, Federal University of Ceará, Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Aims:
We aimed to investigate the modulating effect of α-phellandrene on neutrophil migration and mast cell degranulation processes.
Main Methods:
Male Wistar rats or Swiss mice were treated p.o. with vehicle (3% Tween 80, p.o.), α-phellandrene (50, 100, or 200mg/kg, p.o.), or dexamethasone (0.5mg/kg, p.o.) 1h before carrageenan injection. Then, the neutrophil migration in 6-day-old air pouches or peritoneal cavities. The leukocyte rolling and adhesion were measured in real time and assessed by intravital microscopy. ELISA was used to detect TNF-α and IL-6 in peritoneal lavage. Compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation was assessed in mesenteric rat tissues.
Key Findings:
In all the tested doses, α-phellandrene prevented carrageenan-induced neutrophil accumulation (P<0.05). As detected by intravital microscopy, α-phellandrene also inhibited leukocyte rolling and adhesion, as well as significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, the degranulation of compound 48/80-induced mast cells was also inhibited by α-phellandrene (P<0.001).
Significance:
These results suggest that α-phellandrene plays an important role as an anti-inflammatory agent through neutrophil migration modulation and mast cell stabilization.
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