Recent studies suggest that mast cell-derived neutral proteases can activate matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs). We have investigated the role of the mast cell proteases tryptase and chymase in the activation of MMPs in human carotid endarterectomy specimens (atherosclerotic, n=32) and postmortem carotid arteries (control, n=17). In vitro degranulation of mast cells in atherosclerotic c...

Mast cells are numerous at anatomical sites close to external environment, virtually at the portals of infection. A few data indicated that these cells express cytoplasmic Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognizing virus-derived molecules. Accordingly, mast cells could participate in anti-viral defense or/and in viral-related diseases. However, data concerning the influence of viruses on mast cell ...

Mast cells are able to trigger life-saving immune responses in murine models for acute inflammation. In such settings, several lines of evidence indicate that the rapid and protective recruitment of neutrophils initiated by the release of mast cell-derived pro-inflammatory mediators is a key element of innate immunity. Herein, we investigate the impact of mast cells on critical parameters of ne...

Mast cells are associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Whether they protect against or contribute to renal fibrosis is unclear. Based on our previous findings that mast cells can express and secrete active renin, and that angiotensin (ANG II) is profibrotic, we hypothesized that mast cells play a critical role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We tested this hypothesis in the 14-day unilateral...

Peritoneal mast cells and macrophages are commonly used to study functions of these two types of cells (1-3). Although many investigators have studied the production of peritoneal macrophages both in vivo (4-6) and in vitro (7, 8), only a few investigators have taken an interest in production of peritoneal mast cells (9-11). Both mast cells and macrophages are the progeny of the multipotential ...

A spatial association between mast cells and nerves has been described in both the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. However, the factors that influence the anatomic relationship between mast cells and nerves have not been completely defined. It has been suggested that the high-affinity receptor for substance P [neurokinin-1 (NK1)] might modulate this interaction. We therefore assessed...

Migration of capillary endothelial cells is an important component of angiogenesis in vivo. Increased numbers of mast cells have been associated with several types of angiogenesis. We have used a quantitative assay in vitro to demonstrate that mast cells release a factor that significantly increases bovine capillary endothelial cell migration. The factor is present in medium conditioned by mast...

Mast cells are found in tissues throughout the body where they play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory responses. One characteristic feature of mast cells is their longevity. Although it is well established that mast cell survival is dependent on stem cell factor (SCF), it has not been described how this process is regulated. Herein, we report that SCF promotes mast cell survival...

Immune complex-induced injury is an important pathogenic factor in antibody-mediated nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases. In this study we investigated the role mast cells in immune complex-mediated injury in mouse skin. Reverse Arthus reaction was induced in mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice and their congenic controls (WBB6F1(-)+/+). Serial ski...

Tissue hypoxia is a consequence of decreased oxygen levels in different inflammatory conditions, many associated with mast cell activation. However, the effect of hypoxia on mast cell functions is not well established. Here, we have investigated the effect of hypoxia per se on human mast cell survival, mediator secretion, and reactivity. Human cord blood derived mast cells were subjected to thr...