The effects of nonidet P40 on the function of rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro

1 Treatment of purified rat peritoneal mast cells at 37 degrees C with concentrations of the non-ionic detergent nonidet P40 (NP40) up to 0.005% (v/v) failed to reduce their viability. 2 There was a marked reduction in the histamine releasing capacity of NP40-treated mast cells upon challenge with a variety of selective (adrenocorticotrophic hormone 1-24 (Synacthen), rabbit anti-rat IgE antiserum, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the calcium ionophore, A 23187) and non-selective (rabbit anti-rat mast cell antiserum plus complement) histamine liberators. 3 Nonidet P40 (0.005%) was found to reduce the activity of a mast cell membrane 'ecto-enzyme', calcium-activated ATPase, by about 45% when presented at the time of its assay.