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Interaction between mast cells and glial cells: an in vitro study
M Shalit1, T Brenner, E Shohami
1Department of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Central nervous system (CNS) glial cells do not alter the phenotype or function of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in co-culture. These findings suggest glial cells do not influence mast cell behavior in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cell Biology
- Connective Tissue Research
Background:
- Mast cells (MC) in the brain are near glial cells, suggesting a potential interaction.
- The phenotype of brain mast cells is not fully understood, with some suggesting a connective tissue origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if glial cells influence the phenotype and function of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC).
- To assess the viability and functional capacity of BMMC when co-cultured with glial cells.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of BMMC with glial cells for up to 21 days.
- Evaluation of BMMC parameters: number, morphology, histochemistry, and histamine content.
- Assessment of glial cell morphology and function throughout the co-culture period.
Main Results:
- BMMC successfully adhered, proliferated, and survived on glial cell monolayers.
- BMMC retained their phenotype and could be activated to release histamine.
- Glial cells maintained their morphology and function during co-culture.
Conclusions:
- Central nervous system (CNS) glial cells do not induce phenotypic changes in BMMC.
- Glial cells do not negatively impact BMMC viability or function in this in vitro model.
- The microenvironment provided by CNS glial cells does not alter mast cell characteristics.
Abstract:
Brain mast cells (MC) are located in close proximity to glial cells and it has been suggested that they belong to the connective tissue phenotype. To determine whether the local microenvironment provided by glial cells can influence mouse bone marrow-derived MC (BMMC), the putative counterpart of mucosal MC, we co-cultured these two cell types. BMMC numbers, morphology, histochemical properties and histamine content as well as glial cell morphology and function were evaluated up to 21 days. Our data indicate that BMMC adhere, proliferate, survive and can be activated to release histamine on the glial cell monolayers without changing their phenotype. Co-cultured glial cells preserve their morphological appearance and function throughout the culture period. These data indicate that central nervous system (CNS) glial cells do not induce phenotypic changes in BMMC and do not interfere with their viability and function.