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Human dermal endothelial cells express membrane-associated mast cell growth factor
R R Weiss1, D Whitaker-Menezes, J Longley
1Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Mast cell growth factor (MGF) is produced by skin endothelial cells, not just keratinocytes. This discovery suggests MGF plays a key role in mast cell development within the skin's vascular system.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cell growth factor (MGF) is crucial for mast cell functions.
- Previous research indicated MGF expression in skin keratinocytes and dermal cells.
- The precise cellular sources of MGF in human skin remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific cell types expressing MGF in human skin.
- To investigate the localization and characteristics of MGF expression in dermal endothelial cells.
- To explore the potential role of endothelial MGF in mast cell progenitor homing and differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to human MGF on frozen skin specimens.
- Co-localization studies with the vascular marker CD31.
- Immunoelectron microscopy to determine subcellular localization.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on cultured dermal microvascular endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- MGF expression was confirmed in keratinocytes and dermal cells, and additionally detected in cells lining superficial and mid-dermal vessels.
- Co-expression with CD31 and immunoelectron microscopy identified MGF-producing cells as endothelial cells.
- Endothelial MGF expression was localized to the cytoplasm and lumenal surface, with lumenal reactivity persisting after fixation.
- MGF mRNA was detected in cultured dermal microvascular endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Human dermal endothelial cells are a significant source of MGF production and expression in the skin.
- Endothelial MGF may influence the adhesion and differentiation of mast cell progenitors within the perivascular space.
- This finding highlights a novel mechanism for regulating mast cell development in the skin.