Biomaterial Database

Changes in airway mast cells and histamine caused by antigen aerosol in allergic dogs. 1977

W M Gold, and G L Meyers, and D S Dain, and R L Miller, and H R Bourne

We studied the effect of inhaled specific antigen on airflow resistance, histamine concentration, and mast cell numbers in airway tissues in allergic dogs. In each of six allergic dogs with open chests, inhalation of specific antigen aerosol (Ascaris suum) increased airflow resistance from 0.30+/-0.40 (mean+/-SE) to 2.8+/-0.41 cmH2O/1 per s (P less than 0.05); decreased mast cell number from 38.6+/-3.2 to 24.3+/-4.5 mast cells/mm2 (P less than 0.05); decreased histamine (per mg airway tissue) from 5.3+/-0.4 to 3.5+/-0.2 ng (P less than 0.05) in lobar bronchi 5-7 mm in diam; and released histamine into the blood perfusing the lung, control arterial plasma histamine; 2.8+/-0.64 ng/ml; antigen: 154+/-1.7 ng/ml (P less than 0.005). Specific antigen caused no significant changes in mast cells or histamine in bronchi 1-2 mm in diam. Control aerosols of nonspecific antigen or methacholine did not change levels of mast cells or histamine in airway tissues. These results suggest that experimental canine asthma involves local airway reactions with degranulation of mast cells and histamine release, as well as vagally mediated reflex bronchoconstriction.

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
D001980	Bronchi	The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the TRACHEA. They include the largest two primary bronchi which branch out into secondary bronchi, and tertiary bronchi which extend into BRONCHIOLES and PULMONARY ALVEOLI.	Primary Bronchi,Primary Bronchus,Secondary Bronchi,Secondary Bronchus,Tertiary Bronchi,Tertiary Bronchus,Bronchi, Primary,Bronchi, Secondary,Bronchi, Tertiary,Bronchus,Bronchus, Primary,Bronchus, Secondary,Bronchus, Tertiary
D004285	Dogs	The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065)	Canis familiaris,Dog
D006632	Histamine	An amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of HISTIDINE. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter.	Ceplene,Histamine Dihydrochloride,Histamine Hydrochloride,Peremin
D000336	Aerosols	Colloids with a gaseous dispersing phase and either liquid (fog) or solid (smoke) dispersed phase; used in fumigation or in inhalation therapy; may contain propellant agents.	Aerosol
D000403	Airway Resistance	Physiologically, the opposition to flow of air caused by the forces of friction. As a part of pulmonary function testing, it is the ratio of driving pressure to the rate of air flow.	Airway Resistances,Resistance, Airway,Resistances, Airway
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
D000941	Antigens	Substances that are recognized by the immune system and induce an immune reaction.	Antigen
D001200	Ascaris	A genus of nematodes of the superfamily ASCARIDOIDEA whose species usually inhabit the intestine.	Ascari
D001249	Asthma	A form of bronchial disorder with three distinct components: airway hyper-responsiveness (RESPIRATORY HYPERSENSITIVITY), airway INFLAMMATION, and intermittent AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION. It is characterized by spasmodic contraction of airway smooth muscle, WHEEZING, and dyspnea (DYSPNEA, PAROXYSMAL).	Asthma, Bronchial,Bronchial Asthma,Asthmas