Biomaterial Database

Measuring degranulation of mast cells. 2001

R J Hohman, and S C Dreskin

Oncor, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.

This unit describes methods for measuring exocytosis of preformed mediators from secretory granules as an indication of IgE receptor-mediated activation of mast cells. The first basic protocol describes the measurement of biogenic amines (serotonin and histamine) secreted by activated rodent mast cells (for serotonin) or rodent and human mast cells (for histamine). The second basic and alternate protocols detail techniques for measuring the release of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that is synthesized by human and rodent mast cells, stored in secretory granules, and released during degranulation. Methods for assaying other enzymes released during degranulation, such as beta-hexosaminidase and tryptase, are discussed in the . These protocols can also be applied to basophils where appropriate.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008407	Mast Cells	Granulated cells that are found in almost all tissues, most abundantly in the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Like the BASOPHILS, mast cells contain large amounts of HISTAMINE and HEPARIN. Unlike basophils, mast cells normally remain in the tissues and do not circulate in the blood. Mast cells, derived from the bone marrow stem cells, are regulated by the STEM CELL FACTOR.	Basophils, Tissue,Basophil, Tissue,Cell, Mast,Cells, Mast,Mast Cell,Tissue Basophil,Tissue Basophils
D003584	Cytological Techniques	Methods used to study CELLS.	Cytologic Technics,Cytological Technic,Cytological Technics,Cytological Technique,Technic, Cytological,Technics, Cytological,Technique, Cytological,Techniques, Cytological,Cytologic Technic,Technic, Cytologic,Technics, Cytologic
D006636	Histamine Release	The secretion of histamine from mast cell and basophil granules by exocytosis. This can be initiated by a number of factors, all of which involve binding of IgE, cross-linked by antigen, to the mast cell or basophil's Fc receptors. Once released, histamine binds to a number of different target cell receptors and exerts a wide variety of effects.	Histamine Liberation,Histamine Liberations,Histamine Releases
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012701	Serotonin	A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator.	5-HT,5-Hydroxytryptamine,3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol,Enteramine,Hippophaine,Hydroxytryptamine,5 Hydroxytryptamine
D015550	Cell Degranulation	The process of losing secretory granules (SECRETORY VESICLES). This occurs, for example, in mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, and platelets when secretory products are released from the granules by EXOCYTOSIS.	Degranulation, Cell
D017455	Receptors, IgE	Specific molecular sites on the surface of B- and T-lymphocytes which combine with IgEs. Two subclasses exist: low affinity receptors (Fc epsilon RII) and high affinity receptors (Fc epsilon RI).	Antigens, CD23,CD23 Antigens,Fc Receptors, epsilon,Fc epsilon Receptor,Fc epsilon Receptors,IgE Receptor,IgE Receptors,Receptors, Fc epsilon,epsilon Fc Receptor,epsilon Fc Receptors,CD 23 Antigens,CD23 Antigen,Fc epsilon RI,Fc epsilon RII,Immunoglobulin E Receptor,Antigen, CD23,Antigens, CD 23,Fc Receptor, epsilon,Receptor, Fc epsilon,Receptor, IgE,Receptor, Immunoglobulin E,Receptor, epsilon Fc,Receptors, epsilon Fc,epsilon RI, Fc,epsilon RII, Fc,epsilon Receptor, Fc,epsilon Receptors, Fc