Related Experiment Videos

Characterization of mastoparan-induced histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells

K Mizuno1, N Nakahata, Y Ohizumi

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

Insights

Mastoparan, a wasp venom peptide, triggers histamine release from cells by increasing membrane permeability. This process is independent of pertussis toxin and phosphoinositide hydrolysis, suggesting a novel mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mastoparan is a tetradecapeptide from wasp venom.
  • Mastoparan is known to affect cell membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of mastoparan-induced histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells.
  • To determine the role of calcium, pertussis toxin, and phospholipase D in mastoparan-induced effects.

Main Methods:

  • RBL-2H3 cells were treated with mastoparan.
  • Histamine release was measured.
  • Extracellular calcium was removed.
  • Pertussis toxin and neomycin were used.
  • Phospholipase D activation was assessed.
  • Lactate dehydrogenase leakage was measured.

Main Results:

  • Mastoparan induced histamine release in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
  • Mastoparan-induced histamine release was calcium-independent, unlike antigen-induced release.
  • Pertussis toxin did not inhibit mastoparan-induced histamine release.
  • Neomycin suppressed both histamine release and phospholipase D activation.
  • Mastoparan caused lactate dehydrogenase leakage, indicating membrane damage, which was neomycin-sensitive.

Conclusions:

  • Mastoparan enhances cell membrane permeability, leading to histamine release.
  • This histamine release mechanism is pertussis toxin-insensitive.
  • Mastoparan-induced phospholipase D activation may not be directly linked to histamine release.

Related Concept Videos