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Blood and mast cell histamine levels in magnesium-deficient rats
Abstract:
The number and morphology of mast cells (MCs) in the duodenal submucosa and the histamine content of blood and isolated peritoneal mast cells were estimated sequentially in male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats magnesium (Mg)-depleted for up to 48 days. Blood histamine levels increased 4--5-fold by 14 days of Mg depletion and subsequently declined to levels similar to those in pair-fed Mg-adequate controls. In the same period, the submucosal MCs continuously increased in number, beginning to plateau at 6--7 times the control number between days 36--48 of Mg deficiency. Massive MC degranulation was seen in the early stages of Mg-depletion but subsided after 16--20 days. Subsequently, the submucosal MCs appeared small and rounded. They showed reduced staining with toluidine blue indicating a deficiency in the mucopolysaccharide component of the storage granules. Histamine content of purified peritoneal MCs from Mg-deficient rats was reduced by 10 days of Mg depletion and remained at or below one-third the control level throughout the depletion period. The data suggest that the MCs remaining or developed during chronic Mg depletion are deficient in their capacity to store and secrete histamine.
Insights
Magnesium depletion in rats leads to an initial rise in blood histamine, followed by an increase in duodenal mast cells (MCs). Chronic depletion impairs MCs' ability to store and release histamine.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Mast cells (MCs) play a crucial role in immune responses and gastrointestinal function.
- Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral involved in numerous cellular processes, including histamine regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequential changes in mast cells and histamine levels in rats subjected to magnesium depletion.
- To understand the impact of chronic magnesium deficiency on mast cell morphology, number, and histamine content.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were depleted of magnesium for up to 48 days.
- Mast cell number and morphology in the duodenal submucosa were assessed.
- Histamine content in blood and isolated peritoneal mast cells was measured sequentially.
Main Results:
- Blood histamine levels initially increased significantly then returned to control levels.
- Submucosal mast cell numbers progressively increased, reaching 6-7 times control levels.
- Early degranulation was observed, followed by smaller, rounded mast cells with reduced staining, indicating impaired granule function.
- Histamine content in purified peritoneal mast cells from deficient rats was significantly reduced.
Conclusions:
- Chronic magnesium depletion leads to an accumulation of mast cells in the duodenal submucosa.
- Magnesium-deficient mast cells exhibit impaired histamine storage and secretion capacity.
- These findings suggest a significant disruption of mast cell function and histamine homeostasis during prolonged magnesium deficiency.