Gastrin induces histamine release from human cutaneous mast cells

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Human gastrin I (G17) is a hormone involved in digestion.
• Cutaneous mast cells are key players in allergic reactions and inflammation.
• The interaction between gastrin and mast cells is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of gastrin and its analogs on histamine release from human skin mast cells.
• To determine if the carboxy-terminal region of gastrin is responsible for mast cell stimulation.
• To explore the in vivo relevance of gastrin's effect on mast cells.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using human cutaneous mast cells.
• Dose-response experiments with gastrin I (G17) and pentagastrin.
• In vivo intradermal administration in normal subjects and a patient with mastocytosis.

Main Results:

• Physiologic concentrations of G17 and pentagastrin induced dose-related histamine release from mast cells in vitro.
• The N-terminal fragment (G1-13) did not stimulate or block histamine release.
• Intradermal G17 and pentagastrin caused wheal-and-flare responses in vivo, particularly in mastocytosis.

Conclusions:

• Physiologic gastrin concentrations can stimulate mediator release from human cutaneous mast cells.
• The carboxy-terminal region of gastrin appears to mediate this mast cell response.
• Gastrin-induced mast cell activation may be relevant in allergic disorders and mast cell research.