Skip to main content

Mast cell polymorphisms

Resent concepts, future directions

Digestive Diseases and Sciences volume 33, pages 16S–24S (1988)Cite this article

Abstract

Although mast cells are widely distributed in the body, their functions are poorly known. The elucidation of mast cell function is complicated by growing evidence that mast cells are heterogeneous. Recent studies of mast cell ontogeny suggest that microenvironmental stimuli control the phenotypic expression of parts of the genome leading to subtype differences in a common lineage. Mast cells influence cell proliferation, differentiation, and activation in a range of target cells, although until recently they were considered important only in immediate hypersensitivity. However, they function in delayed-type hypersensitivity, potentiate cytotoxicity of eosinophils and macrophages, and are cytotoxic for certain targets themselves. Mast cell mediators influence blood flow and vascular permeability and facilitate angiogenesis. Numerous mast cell mediators are immunoregulatory. In vitro experiments have begun to investigate the role of mast cells in fibrotic diseases. Further knowledge of mast cell heterogeneity will provide the basis for new therapies in inflammatory diseases of the intestine and other organs.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  1. Befus AD, Bienenstock J, Denburg JA: Mast Cell Differentiation and Heterogeneity. New York, Raven Press, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  2. Kaliner M, Lemanske R: Inflammatory responses to mast cell granules. Fed Proc 43:2846–2851, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Katz HR, Stevens RL, Austen KF: Leukotriene and prostaglandin pathway metabolism: Heterogeneity of mammalian mast cells differentiatedin vivo andin vitro. J Allergy Clin Immunol 76:250–259, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Kitamura Y, Nakano T, Kanakura Y: Transdifferentiation between mast cell subpopulations. Dev Growth Differ 28:321–325, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  5. Pearce FL: On the heterogeneity of mast cells. Pharmacology 32:61–71, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Schleimer RP, Fox CC, Naclerio RM, Plaut M, Creticos PS, Togias AG, Warner JA, Kagey-Sobotka A, Lichtenstein LM: Role of human basophils and mast cells in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 76:369–374, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Schwartz LB, Austen KF: Structure and function of the chemical mediators of mast cells. Prog Allergy 34:271–321, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Kokkonen JO, Vartianinen M, Kovanen PT: Low density lipoprotein degradation by secretory granules of rat mast cells: Sequential degradation of apolipoprotein B by granule chymase and carboxypeptidase A. J Biol Chem 260:14756–14763, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  9. Miller HRP, King SJ, Gibson S, Huntley JF, Newlands GFJ, Woodbury RG: Intestinal mucosal mast cells in normal and parasitized rats.In Mast Cell Differentiation and Heterogeneity. AD Befus, J Bienenstock, JA Denburg (eds). New York, Raven Press, 1986, pp 239–255.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Irani AA, Schechter NM, Craig SS, DeBois G, Schwartz LB: Two types of human mast cells that have distinct neutral protease compositions. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:4464–4468, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Stevens RL, Lee TDG, Seldin DC, Austen KF, Befus AD, Bienenstock J: Intestinal mucosal mast cells from rats infected withNippostrongylus brasiliensis contain protease-resistant chondroitin sulfate di-B proteoglycans. J Immunol 137:291–295, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Tantravahi RV, Stevens RL, Austen KF, Weis JH: A single gene in mast cells encodes the core peptides of heparin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:9207–9210, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Razin E, Stevens RL, Akiyama F, Schmid K, Austen KF: Culture from mouse bone marrow of a subclass of mast cells possessing a distinct chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan with glycosaminoglycans rich inN-acetylgalactosamine-4,6-disulfate. J Biol Chem 257:7229–7236, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Metcalfe DD, Lewis RA, Silbert JE, Rosenberg RD, Wasserman SI, Austen KF: Isolation and characterization of heparin from human lung. J Clin Invest 64:1537–1543, 1979

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Metcalfe DD, Soter NA, Wasserman SI, Austen KF: Identification of sulfated mucopolysaccharides including heparin in the lesional skin of a patient with mastocytosis. J Invest Dermatol 74:210–215, 1980

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Eliakim R, Gilead L, Ligumsky M, Okon E, Rachmilewitz D, Razin E: Histamine and chondroitin sulfate E proteoglycan released by cultured human colonic mucosa: Indication for possible presence of E mast cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:461–464, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Razin E, Mencia-Huerta JM, Lewis RA, Corey EJ, Austen KF: Generation of leukotriene C4 from a subclass of mast cells differentiatedin vivo from mouse bone marrow. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 79:4665–4667, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Fox CC, Dvorak AM, Peters SP, Kagey-Sobotka A, Lichtenstein LM: Isolation and characterization of human intestinal mucosal mast cells. J Immunol 135:483–491, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Enerback L: Mast cell heterogeneity: The evolution of the concept of a specific mucosal mast cell.In Mast Cell Differentiation and Heterogeneity. AD Befus, J Bienenstock, JA Denburg (eds). New York, Raven Press, 1986, pp 1–26

    Google Scholar 

  20. Froese A: Receptors for IgE on mast cells and basophils.In Progress in Allergy: Mast Cell Activation and Mediator Release. K Ishizaka (ed). Basel, S Karger, 1984, pp 142–187

    Google Scholar 

  21. Ishizaka T, Ishizaka K: Activation of mast cells from mediator release through IgE receptors.In Progress in Allergy: Mast Cell Activation and Mediator Release. K Ishizaka (ed). Basel, S Karger, 1984, pp 188–235

    Google Scholar 

  22. Shanahan F, Denburg J, Fox J, Bienenstock J, Befus D: Mast cell heterogeneity: effects on neuroenteric peptides on histamine release. J Immunol 135:1331–1337, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Johnson AR, Hugli TE, Muller-Eberhard HJ: Release of histamine from rat mast cells by the complement peptides C3a and C5a. Immunology 28:1067–1080, 1975

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Askenase PW, Rosenstein RW, Ptak W: T cells produce an antigen-binding factor within vivo activity analogous to IgE antibody. J Exp Med 157:862–873, 1983

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Melander A. Aminergic regulation of thyroid activity: Importance of the sympathetic innervation and of the mast cells of the thyroid gland. Acta Med Scand 201:257–262, 1977

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Shanahan F, Lee TDG, Bienenstock J, Befus AD: The influence of endorphins on peritoneal and mucosal mast cell secretion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 74:499–504, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Liu MC, Proud D, Lichtenstein LM, MacGlashan DW Jr, Schleimer RP, Adkinson NF Jr, Kagey-Sobotka A, Schulman ES, Plaut M: Human lung macrophage-derived histamine-releasing activity is due to IgE-dependent factors. J Immunol 136:2588–2595, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Subramanian N, Bray MA: Interleukin 1 releases histamine from human basophils and mast cellsin vitro. J Immunol 138:271–275, 1987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Lee TDG, Sterk A, Ishizaka T, Bienenstock J, Befus AD: Number and affinity of receptors for IgE on enriched populations of isolated rat intestinal mast cells. Immunology 55:363–366, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Ezeamuzie IC, Assem ESK: Histamine releasing factor is not an interferon. Agents Actions 18:159–162, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Regal JF, Hardy TM, Casey FB, Chakrin LW: C5a-induced histamine release: Species specificity. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 72:362–365, 1983

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Stead RH, Tomioka M, Quinonez G, Simon GT, Feiten SY, Bienenstock J: Intestinal mucosal mast cells in normal and nematode infected rat intestines are in intimate contact with peptidergic nerves. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84:2975–2979, 1987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bishop AE, Polak JM, Bryant MG, Bloom SR, Hamilton S: Abnormalities of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide containing nerves in Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology 79:853–860, 1980

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Leff AR, Stimler NP, Munoz NM, Shioya T, Tallet J, Dame C: Augmentation of respiratory mast cell secretion of histamine caused by vagus nerve stimulation during antigen challenge. J Immunol 136:1066–1073, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Russell M, Dark KA, Cummins RW, Ellman E, Callaway E, Peeke HVS: Learned histamine release. Science 225:733–734, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Gorczynski RM, Kennedy M, Ciampi A: Cimetidine reverses tumor growth enhancement of plasmacytoma tumors in mice demonstrating conditioned immunosuppression. J Immunol 134:4261–4266, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Theoharides T, Kraeuter Kops S, Bondy PK, Askenase PW: Differential release of serotonin without comparable histamine under diverse conditions in the rat mast cell. Biochem Pharmacol 34:1389–1398, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Leoutsakos A, Pearce FL: The effect of adenosine and its analogues on cyclic AMP changes and histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated by various ligands. Biochem Pharmacol 35:1373–1379, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Marone G, Findlay SR, Lichtenstein LM: Adenosine receptor on human basophils: Modulations of histamine release. J Immunol 123:1473–1477, 1979

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Peters SP, Schulman ES, Schleimer RP, MacGlashan DW, Newball HH, Lichtenstein LM: Dispersed human lung mast cells: Pharmacologic aspects and comparison with human lung tissue fragments. Am Rev Respir Dis 126:1034–1039, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ida S, Hooks JJ, Siraganian RP, Notkins AL: Enhancement of IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils by viruses: Role of interferon. J Exp Med 145:892–906, 1977

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Hernandez-Asensio M, Hooks JJ, Ida S, Siraganian RP, Notkins AL: Interferon-induced enhancement of IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils requires RNA synthesis. J Immunol 122:1601–1603, 1979

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Flodgren P, Borgstrom S, Jonsson PE, Lindstrom C, Sjogren HO: Metastatic malignant melanoma: regression induced by combined treatment with interferon [HuIFN-a(Le)] and cimetidine. Int J Cancer 32:657–665, 1983

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Bernstein IL: Cromolyn sodium in the treatment of asthma: coming of age in the United States. J Allergy Clin Immunol 76:381–388, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Pearce FL, Befus AD, Gauldie J, Bienenstock J: Mucosal mast cells. II. Effects of anti-allergic compounds on histamine secretion by isolated intestinal mast cells. J Immunol 128:2481–2486, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Befus D, Dyck N, Goodacre R, Bienenstock J: Mast cells from the human intestinal lamina propria: isolation, histochemical subtypes and functional characterization. J Immunol 138:2604–2608, 1987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Richards IM, Dixon M, Jackson DM, Vendy K: Alternative modes of action of sodium cromoglycate. Agents Actions 18:294–300, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Moqbel R, Walsh GM, MacDonald AJ, Kay B: Effect of disodium cromoglycate on activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils following reversed (anti-IgE) anaphylaxis. Clin Allergy 16:73–83, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Wells E, Jackson CG, Harper ST, Mann J, Eady RP: Characterization of primate bronchoalveolar mast cells. II. Inhibition of histamine, LTC4, and PGD2 release from primate bronchoalveolar mast cells and a comparison with rat peritoneal mast cells. J Immunol 137:3941–3945, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Leung KBP, Flint KC, Brostoff J, Hudspith BN, Johnson NMcI, Pearce FL: A comparison of nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate on human lung mast cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and by dispersion of lung fragments. Eur J Respir Dis 69:223–226, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  51. Schleimer RP: The mechanisms of antiinflammatory steroid action on allergic diseases. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 25:381–412, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. King SJ, Miller HRP, Newlands GFJ, Woodbury RG: Depletion of mucosal mast cell protease by corticosteroids: Effect on intestinal anaphylaxis in the rat. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82:1214–1218, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Lavker RM, Schechter NM: Cutaneous mast cell depletion results from topical corticosteroid usage. J Immunol 135:2368–2373, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Barrett KE, Tashof TL, Metcalfe DD: Inhibition of IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation by sulphasalazine. Eur J Pharmacol 107:279–281, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Ginsburg H, Ben-Shahar D, Ben-David E: Mast cell growth on fibroblast monolayers: Two-cell entities. Immunology 45:371–380, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Levi-Schaffer F, Austen KF, Gravallese PM, Stevens RL: Coculture of interleukin 3-dependent mouse mast cells with fibroblasts results in a phenotypic change of the mast cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:6485–6488, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Nakahata T, Kbbayashi T, Ishiguro A, Tsuji K, Naganuma K, Ando O, Yagi Y, Tadokoro K, Akabane T: Extensive proliferation of mature connective-tissue type mast cellsin vitro. Nature 324:65–67, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Sonoda S, Sonoda T, Nakano T, Kanayama Y, Kanakura Y, Asai H, Yonezawa T, Kitamura Y: Development of mucosal mast cells after injection of a single connective tissue-type mast cell in the stomach mucosa of genetically mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice. J Immunol 137:1319–1322, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Askenase PW, Van Loveren H: Delayed-type hypersensitivity: Activation of mast cells by antigen-specific T-cell factors initiates the cascade of cellular interactions. Immunol Today 4:259–264, 1983

    Google Scholar 

  60. Farram E, Nelson DS: Mouse mast cells as anti-tumor effector cells. Cell Immunol 55:294–301, 1980

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Henderson WR, Chi EY, Jong EC, Klebanoff SJ: Mast cell-mediated tumor-cell cytotoxicity. Role of the peroxidase system. J Exp Med 153:520–533, 1981

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Ghiara P, Boraschi D, Villa L, Scapigliati G, Taddei C, Tagliabue A:In vitro generated mast cells express natural cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Immunology 55:317–324, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Lobe CG, Finlay BB, Paranchych W, Paetkau VH, Bleackley RC: Novel serine proteases encoded by two cytotoxic T lymphocyte-specific genes. Science 232:858–861, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Movat HZ: The Inflammatory Reaction. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1985

    Google Scholar 

  65. Folkman J: How is blood vessel growth regulated in normal and neoplastic tissue? Cancer Res 46:467–473, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Norrby K, Jakobsson A, Sorbo J: Mast-cell-mediated angiogenesis: A novel experimental model using the rat mesentery. Cell Pathol 52:195–206, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  67. Marks RM, Roche WR, Czerniecki M, Penny R, Nelson DS: Mast cell granules cause proliferation of human microvascular endothelial cells. Lab Invest 55:289–294, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Beer DJ, Rocklin RE: Histamine-induced suppressor-cell activity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 73:439–452, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Jackson JC, Cross RJ, Walker RF, Markesbery WR, Brooks WH, Roszman TL: Influence of serotonin on the immune response. Immunology 54:505–512, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Rola-Pleszczynski M: Immunoregulation by leukotrienes and other lipoxygenase metabolites. Immunol Today 6:302–307, 1985

    Google Scholar 

  71. Goto T, Befus D, Low R, Bienenstock J: Mast cell heterogeneity and hyperplasia in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats. Am Rev Respir Dis 130:797–802, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Levy DA, Wefald AF, Beschorner WE: Intestinal mast cell proliferation in graft-versus-host reaction in rats. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 77:186–188, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Hawkins RA, Claman HN, Clark RAF, Steigerwaid JC: Increased dermal mast cell populations in progressive systemic sclerosis: A link in chronic fibrosis? Ann Intern Med 102:182–186, 1985

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Russell JD, Russell SB, Trupin KM: The effect of histamine on the growth of cultured fibroblasts isolated from normal and keloid tissue. J Cell Physiol 93:389–394, 1977

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Jordana M, Befus AD, Newhouse MT, Bienenstock J, Gauldie J: Effect of histamine on proliferation of normal human adult lung fibroblasts. Am Rev Respir Dis (in press)

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, The University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., T2N 4N1, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    D. Befus PhD, H. Fujimaki PhD, T. D. G. Lee PhD & M. Swieter PhD

Authors
  1. D. Befus PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. Fujimaki PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. T. D. G. Lee PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Swieter PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and Fisons Pharmaceuticals, U.K.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Befus, D., Fujimaki, H., Lee, T.D.G. et al. Mast cell polymorphisms. Digest Dis Sci 33, 16S–24S (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538127

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538127

Key words

  • mast cells
  • intestine
  • heterogeneity
  • function
  • inflammatory bowel disease