Mast cell degranulation as a major event in the effector phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity induced by cloned...

A kinetic study (0-72 h) was performed on the cellular composition of the exudate in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) induced by the injection of cloned helper T cells into the footpad of C57BL/6J mice. In this model the reaction was maximal at 24 h, as assessed by local swelling. After an initial phase of inflammatory cell infiltration, we observed pronounced degranulation of mast cells, occurring at 15-19 h. Administration of antihistamines shortly before this time significantly inhibited the increase in footpad thickness at 24 h, suggesting mast cell mediators as a major cause of swelling in DTH. Furthermore, a new arrival of inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, was clearly correlated with mast cell degranulation. The latter, which might function to suppress local reactions, persisted as the only intact cell type after 48 h. Supplementary examination of peripheral blood smears showed successive peaks of neutrophils (at 3 h), monocytes (at 15 h) and finally eosinophils (after 20 h). These results suggest a local and systemic cascade in DTH which depends on mast cell degranulation for its full expression.