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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Migration of stromal cells supporting mast-cell differentiation into open wound produced in the skin of mice
Abstract:
Mutant mice of Sl/Sld genotype are depleted of tissue mast cells due to a defect of stromal cells which may support the differentiation of mast cells. Number of mast cells did not increase in the skin of Sl/Sld mice grafted on the back of the congenic +/+ mice even 50 weeks after the transplantation. When the wound was produced in the central part of the Sl/Sld skin graft, a considerable number of mast cells appeared within the scar resulting from the wound. The appearance of mast cells in the scar was shown to be due to the differentiation of circulating precursors into mast cells rather than the simple migration of mature mast cells by using giant granules of bgJ/bgJ mice as a marker for newly-formed mast cells. Therefore, the present results seem to suggest that normal stromal cells of the +/+ host origin migrate into the wound produced in the grafted skin of Sl/Sld mice and support the differentiation of circulating precursors into mast cells.
Insights
Mast cell deficiency in Sl/Sld mice is due to stromal cell defects. Wound healing in these mice attracts circulating mast cell precursors, suggesting stromal cells support mast cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sl/Sld mice exhibit a severe depletion of tissue mast cells.
- This deficiency is attributed to a defect in stromal cells crucial for mast cell differentiation.
- Previous studies indicate a lack of mast cell development in Sl/Sld skin grafts on normal hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of mast cells appearing in wounds of Sl/Sld mice.
- To determine if stromal cells influence mast cell differentiation in response to injury.
- To elucidate the mechanism of mast cell repopulation in a deficient environment.
Main Methods:
- Grafting of Sl/Sld mouse skin onto congenic +/+ mice.
- Induction of wounds in the grafted skin.
- Utilizing giant granules from bgJ/bgJ mice as a marker for newly-formed mast cells.
- Histological analysis to identify mast cell presence and origin.
Main Results:
- Mast cells did not increase in uninjured Sl/Sld skin grafts over 50 weeks.
- A significant number of mast cells appeared within wound-induced scars in Sl/Sld skin grafts.
- Mast cell appearance in scars was confirmed to be from differentiation of circulating precursors, not migration of mature cells.
Conclusions:
- Normal stromal cells from the +/+ host appear to migrate into the wound site.
- These host stromal cells support the differentiation of circulating mast cell precursors.
- The study suggests a crucial role for host stromal cells in mast cell regeneration following injury in a deficient environment.
