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Interferons differentially regulate histamine and TNF-alpha in rat intestinal mucosal mast cells
E Y Bissonnette1, B Chin, A D Befus
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Immunology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Interferon (IFN) differentially regulates mast cell (MC) responses. IFN inhibits histamine release from peritoneal MC (PMC) but not intestinal mucosal MC (IMMC), while inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) cytotoxicity in both MC types.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells (MC) exhibit heterogeneity, with distinct subtypes like peritoneal MC (PMC) and intestinal mucosal MC (IMMC) showing varied mediator content and drug responses.
- Previous research indicates differences in mediator release and drug sensitivity between connective tissue MC (PMC) and mucosal MC (IMMC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma on histamine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion in rat peritoneal MC (PMC) and intestinal mucosal MC (IMMC).
- To elucidate the distinct regulatory roles of IFNs on MC subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Pretreatment of PMC and IMMC with IFN-alpha/beta or IFN-gamma for 20 hours.
- Assessment of antigen-stimulated histamine release.
- Measurement of spontaneous and stored TNF-alpha release.
- Evaluation of TNF-alpha-dependent cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- IFN pretreatment significantly reduced antigen-stimulated histamine release from PMC, but not IMMC.
- IFN treatment inhibited TNF-alpha-dependent cytotoxicity in both PMC and IMMC.
- PMC stored and spontaneously released significantly more TNF-alpha than IMMC.
Conclusions:
- IFNs differentially regulate histamine secretion in PMC and IMMC.
- IFNs inhibit TNF-alpha-dependent cytotoxicity in both MC subtypes.
- These findings highlight subtype-specific responses of mast cells to interferons, impacting allergic and inflammatory pathways.