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Intranuclear microtubules in lung mast cells of guinea pigs in anaphylactic shock
Abstract:
Intranuclear microtubules were found in lung mast cells during anaphylactic shock following ovalbumin challenge of guinea pigs passively sensitized with homocytotropic antibodies. Simultaneously, such cells showed mitochondrial swelling with a clear matrix and partially disrupted cristae. Although a decreased number of mast cell granules generally accompanied these observations, the degree of degranulation and the morphologic appearance of the granules are less reliable criteria to indicate the immediate participation of a cell in the anaphylactic phenomenon. The cells that presented intranuclear microtubules were mainly found in the vicinity of the bronchiolar smooth muscle. The distribution of cations has been investigated in these tissues with a combined oxalate-pyroantimonate method. Whereas in controls the reaction product is located mainly in the nucleus and the mitochondria of mast cells, these sites become almost completely devoid of precipitate during the anaphylactic reaction. A hypothetical link between histamine release, intracellular distribution of cations, possibly calcium, and the appearance of intranuclear microtubules in mast cells is proposed.
Insights
Anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs revealed intranuclear microtubules in lung mast cells. This finding suggests a link between histamine release, cation shifts, and microtubule formation during allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Anaphylactic shock involves mast cell degranulation and mediator release.
- The precise cellular mechanisms and ultrastructural changes during anaphylaxis are not fully understood.
- Mast cells play a critical role in allergic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in lung mast cells during anaphylactic shock.
- To explore the relationship between intranuclear microtubules, cation distribution, and mast cell degranulation.
- To determine the role of mast cells in the vicinity of bronchiolar smooth muscle during anaphylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Induction of anaphylactic shock in sensitized guinea pigs using ovalbumin challenge.
- Transmission electron microscopy to examine mast cell ultrastructure, including intranuclear microtubules and mitochondrial morphology.
- Combined oxalate-pyroantimonate method to investigate cation distribution (e.g., calcium) within mast cells.
- Histological analysis of mast cell granules and their correlation with degranulation.
Main Results:
- Intranuclear microtubules were observed in lung mast cells during anaphylactic shock.
- Mast cells exhibited mitochondrial swelling and matrix clearing.
- A significant decrease in cation precipitate (likely calcium) was noted in the nucleus and mitochondria of mast cells during anaphylaxis compared to controls.
- The presence of intranuclear microtubules correlated with mast cells located near bronchiolar smooth muscle.
Conclusions:
- Intranuclear microtubules in mast cells may be a novel indicator of immediate participation in anaphylaxis.
- Histamine release during anaphylaxis is associated with altered intracellular cation distribution, particularly in the nucleus and mitochondria.
- A potential link exists between altered cation homeostasis, histamine release, and the formation of intranuclear microtubules in mast cells during allergic reactions.