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[Studies on histamine containing cells in the spleen of the magnesium-deficient rats]
S Ishiguro1, A Nishio, N Miyao
1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Japan.
Abstract:
When young Wistar rats (body wt. 50 g) were maintained on a magnesium-deficient diet (0.001% Mg) for eight days, the splenic weight and histamine content increased about 2-fold and 30-fold, respectively, compared with those of the control rats. There was no significant difference in the number of splenic mast cells between the magnesium-deficient and control rats. More neutrophilic, eosinophilic and basophilic granular cells were found in the spleen cells isolated from the magnesium-deficient rats than in those from the control rats. Of the isolated cells from magnesium-deficient rats, 7.6% were basophilic granular cells; however, no basophilic granular cells were observed in the spleen cells isolated from the control rats. In the cytochemical study, the yellowish fluorochrome formed by the interaction of o-phthalaldehyde and histamine was found in basophilic granular cells. These results suggest that the increase in the histamine content of the spleen of magnesium-deficient rats is related to the increased number of basophilic granular cells.
Insights
Magnesium deficiency in rats significantly increased splenic histamine levels and spleen weight. This was linked to a rise in basophilic granular cells, not mast cells, in the spleen.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Nutrition
Context:
- Magnesium is an essential mineral crucial for various physiological processes.
- Dietary magnesium levels can impact immune cell function and mediator release.
- Spleen is a key organ in immune response and blood filtration.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of magnesium deficiency on splenic histamine content and cellular composition in Wistar rats.
- To determine the relationship between magnesium levels, histamine, and splenic cell populations, particularly mast cells and basophils.
Summary:
- Young Wistar rats fed a magnesium-deficient diet for eight days showed a twofold increase in spleen weight and a thirtyfold increase in splenic histamine content compared to controls.
- While the number of splenic mast cells did not differ significantly, magnesium-deficient rats exhibited increased neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and basophilic granular cells in their spleens.
- Notably, 7.6% of spleen cells from deficient rats were basophilic granular cells, which contained a histamine-derived fluorochrome, suggesting their role in elevated histamine levels.
Impact:
- This study highlights a direct link between magnesium deficiency and increased histamine levels in the spleen, mediated by an accumulation of basophilic granular cells.
- Findings suggest that magnesium status may influence immune responses involving histamine and basophils.
- Provides insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying histamine regulation and potential implications for inflammatory conditions.