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Plasminogen activator release from cultured murine mast cells
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital of South Manchester, West Didsbury.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 16, 1988
Summary
Mast cells store significant plasminogen activator (PA) in granules. Upon degranulation, mast cells release PA and histamine, suggesting a role in tissue degradation and fibrinolysis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mast cells are immune cells known to release various mediators.
- Plasminogen activator (PA) plays a role in fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling.
- The presence and function of PA in mast cells require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and release of plasminogen activator (PA) in mast cells.
- To determine the relationship between PA release and mast cell degranulation.
- To explore the potential role of mast cell-associated PA in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Furth murine mastocytoma tumor cell line.
- Cultured mast cells and exposed them to degranulating agents.
- Measured PA activity and histamine release in cell cultures.
- Investigated the effect of cycloheximide on PA content and release.
Main Results:
- Mast cells contain significant levels of plasminogen activator (PA).
- PA activity is released into the culture medium concurrently with histamine.
- Both PA and histamine release increase proportionally with degranulating agents.
- Cycloheximide pretreatment does not affect total PA content or release, indicating PA is prestored.
- Mast cell PA can generate plasmin from plasminogen.
Conclusions:
- Plasminogen activator (PA) is a prestored constituent of mast cell granules.
- Mast cell PA contributes to fibrinolysis and tissue degradation.
- Mast cell degranulation and infiltration in vivo are associated with PA activity.