After unilateral ganglionectomy, the histamine content increased progressively and significantly 30–60 days post-surgery in both hemi-dura, whereas the serotonin content became significantly different from that of sham only 60 days post-surgery in the ipsilateral dura. After bilateral ganglionectomy, the histamine level significantly increased in both hemi-dura 15–60 days post-surgery, whereas the serotonin level had significantly increased at 60 days post-surgery.
These results clearly demonstrate, for the first time, a long-term trophic effect of sympathetic nerve degeneration on mast cells in the dura mater.
A. Bergerot*, A. -M. Reynier-Rebuffel†, J. Callebert‡ and P. Aubineau
Copyright © 1999 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Mast cell hyperplasia: role of cytokines.
Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School of Hannover, Germany
Mast cell hyperplasia is found in different pathologies such as chronic inflammatory processes, fibrotic disorders, wound healing or neoplastic tissue transformation. The functional significance of the accumulation of mast cells in these processes is largely unknown. It is now established that bone marrow-derived mast cell progenitors circulate in peripheral blood and subsequently migrate into the tissue where they undergo final maturation under the influence of local microenvironmental factors. Cytokines are of particular importance for mast cell recruitment, development, and function. Stem cell factor (SCF) is a unique mast cell growth factor, since mast cells disappear completely in the absence of SCF. However, several other cytokines such as IL-3 and IL-4 have been shown to influence mast cell proliferation and function also. This review focuses on the role of cytokines in the regulation of mast cell hyperplasia. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2002 Feb;127(2):118-22.
