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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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Relation between mast cells concentration and serotonin expression in chagasic megacolon development.
M A R Freitas1, N Segatto2, N Tischler1
1Parasitology, ICBIM, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Parasite Immunology
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Chagas
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chagas' disease affects millions globally, with megacolon being a severe complication.
- Mast cells and serotonin (5-HT) are implicated in intestinal homeostasis.
- Understanding their role may prevent Chagasic megacolon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mast cell presence and serotonin expression in Chagas' disease patients.
- To evaluate the relationship between mast cells, serotonin, and megacolon development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of mast cells and serotonin in patients with and without megacolon.
- Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were likely employed.
Main Results:
- Patients without megacolon showed high serotonin levels and low mast cell counts.
- Patients with megacolon exhibited low serotonin levels and high mast cell counts.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin may play a protective role in preventing Chagasic megacolon.
- High intestinal serotonin could be a mechanism for megacolon prevention in Chagas' disease.
