LB1030 Automated image analysis methods to detect mast cells in skin

Mast cells are a key cell in the innate immune system. These tissue resident and considered to act as sentinels for detection of multitude different ligands. Activation mast via stimulation IgE receptors underlies allergic reactions food, pollen, pet dander, many other allergens. Stimulation results their activation leading degranulation – process which releases extracellular mediators like histamine, proteases, cytokines. can then go on activate types nearby or recruit more tissue. Some chronic pruritic diseases thought involve skin studies have demonstrated an increase total number from atopic dermatitis (AD) contact (CAD). Previous methods relied staining biopsy sections with chromogenic stain (like toulidine blue), manual counting small biopsy. More recently, use fluorescently-tagged avidin has been used detect biopsies, represents specific method. A challenge still remains differentiation between quiescent (resting) active (or degranulated) cells. Here we describe method automated quantification resting based morphology, using commercially available image software analysis tools. Our was applied human biopsies that were treated induce collected AD patients. In contrast earlier results, do not observe nor This allows unbiased out need develop de novo proprietary algorithms.