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Variants of vasoactive intestinal peptide in mouse mast cells and rat basophilic leukemia cells

B K Wershil1, C W Turck, S P Sreedharan

  • 1Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Cellular Immunology
|October 15, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is present in rodent mast cells, with two variants identified: VIP10-28 and larger N-terminal forms. These VIP forms are released with histamine upon IgE-dependent stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuroendocrine peptide with diverse physiological roles.
  • Mast cells are immune cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation.
  • The presence and forms of VIP in mast cells have not been fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characterization of VIP in rodent mast cells.
  • To determine the relationship between VIP and mast cell activation.
  • To identify the molecular forms of VIP produced by mast cells.

Main Methods:

  • Radioimmunoassays (RIAs) were used to quantify VIP levels.
  • Sephadex G-25 gel filtration was employed for size variant analysis.
  • Amino acid sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were utilized for structural and genetic identification.
  • IgE-dependent stimulation was used to assess VIP release.

Main Results:

  • VIP was detected in various mouse and rat mast cell lines, as well as primary mast cells.
  • Two distinct VIP variants were identified: VIP10-28 and larger N-terminal forms.
  • VIP10-28 and histamine were co-released from mast cells upon IgE-dependent stimulation.
  • The VIP message (preproVIP) was identified in RBL cells via PCR.

Conclusions:

  • Rodent mast cells contain and produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
  • Mast cell-derived VIP exists as at least two forms, VIP10-28 and N-terminally extended variants.
  • These VIP forms are likely generated through peptidolysis of preproVIP and released during mast cell activation.

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