Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
NE inhibits cerebrovascular mast cell exocytosis induced by cholinergic and peptidergic agonists
A M Reynier-Rebuffel1, J Callebert, J M Launay
1Laboratoire de Recherches Cérébrovasculaires, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Fédératif de Recherches (IFR) 6, Université Paris VII, France.
Abstract:
Autonomic and sensory nerves frequently contact mast cells contained in rabbit leptomeningeal arteries. We have previously shown that parasympathetic and peptidergic neurotransmitters can stimulate mast cell granule exocytosis and serotonin (5-HT) release. In the present study, we examined ex vivo the possible action of the main sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine (NE), on this exocytotic process. NE, which had no effect on mast cell 5-HT content per se, totally inhibited carbachol-induced 5-HT release and partially reduced neuropeptide-induced 5-HT release. Pretreatment with the alpha 1-adrenergic blocker did not affect the inhibitory effect of NE. Pretreatment with specific beta 1- or beta 2-adrenergic blockers antagonized this action, but the beta 2-blocker exerts a more specific dose-dependent antagonism. Together with our previous data, these results indicate that the equilibrium between autonomic and sensory nerves may determine the release of 5-HT from mast cells (parasympathetic and sensory nerves can trigger exocytosis while the sympathetics can inhibit it). Such a mechanism could be implicated in pathophysiological events in which autonomic dysfunction is likely to be involved, such as vascular headache or other phenomena involving inflammation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

