Mast cells (MCs) are forceful multifunctional effector cells of the immune system. MCs are normally distributed throughout connective and mucosal tissues, but in several pathological conditions accumulation of MCs occur. This accumulation is probable due to directed migration of MCs and they are subjects for migration at least two different occations: 1) when they are recruited as progenitor cells from the blood into the tissue; and 2) when they as mature MCs are recruited to sites of inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate MC migration to chemoattractants released in vivo or in vitro (body fluids collected from patients with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis and TH1- and TH2-cytokines) and to recombinant cytokines (transforming growth factor -β (TGF-β) and CCL5/RANTES). This thesis shows that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from asthmatic patients and synovial fluid from patients with rheumatiod arthritis contain MC chemoattractants, and that part of the chemotactic activity can be related to the presence of stem cell factor (SCF) and TGF-β. We also show that MC chemotactic activity during pollen season is significantly increased compared to before pollen season. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TGF-β isoforms, CCL5, TNF-α and IL-4 act as MC chemoattractants in a bellshaped dose- dependent manner. TGF-β proved to be an extremely potent attractant giving an optimal migratory response at 40fM and TGF-β3 being the most effective isoform. The chemokine CCL5 induced migration through interaction with the receptors CCR1 and CCR4 expressed on MC. Furthermore, we also found that TNF-α produced by TH1-lymphocytes and IL-4 produced by TH2-lymphocytes are MC chemoattractants. In conclusion, with this thesis we have identified six new human mast cell chemoattractants and provide evidence that BAL fluid and synovial fluid from patients with asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, respectivly, contain MC chemoattractants. This information provides important clues in understanding the mechanisms behind MC recruitment to sites of inflammation.

FES protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation downstream of the KIT receptor in mast cells (MC) promotes cell polarization and migration towards the KIT ligand Stem cell factor (SCF). A variety of tumours secrete SCF to promote MC recruitment and release of mediators that enhance tumour vascularization and growth. This study investigates whether FES promotes MC migration via regulation of microtubules (MTs), and if FES is required for MC recruitment to the tumour microenvironment. MT binding assays showed that FES has at least two MT binding sites, which likely contribute to the partial co-localization of FES with MTs in polarized bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Live cell imaging revealed a significant defect in chemotaxis of FES-deficient BMMCs towards SCF embedded within an agarose drop, which correlated with less MT organization compared to control cells. To extend these results to a tumour model, mouse mammary carcinoma AC2M2 cells were engrafted under the skin and into the mammary fat pads of immune compromised control (nu/nu) or FES-deficient (nu/nu:fes-/-) mice. A drastic reduction in tumour-associated MCs was observed in FES-deficient mice compared to control in both mammary and skin tissue sections. This correlated with a trend towards reduced tumour volumes in FES-deficient mice. These results implicate FES signaling downstream of KIT, in promoting MT reorganization during cell polarization and for chemotaxis of MCs towards tumour-derived SCF. Thus, FES is a potential therapeutic target to limit recruitment of stromal mast cells or macrophages to solid tumours that enhance tumour progression. / Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-09-14 11:49:32.871

Mast cells (MCs) play a central role in inflammation by releasing mediators following activation. S100A8 and S100A9 are abundantly expressed in inflammatory sites such as asthmatic lung, sunburnt skin and atherosclerosis where MCs are involved in pathogenesis; roles of S100A8 in MC function are undetermined. The aims of this thesis were to determine effects of S100A8 on MC activation, particularly provoked by IgE and UVB. Initially, effects of UVB on MC activation were investigated as detailed functions were unclear. Cord blood-derived human mast cells (CBMCs) were treated in vitro with varying doses of UVB and production of multiple cytokines and viability investigated. UVB exposure selectively increased levels of IL-8 (CXCL8), and to a less extent IL-1β, but not eight other cytokines tested. New protein synthesis partially contributed and IL-8 production was p38 MAPK-dependent. UVB dose-dependently induced MC apoptosis indicating a potential regulatory mechanism of MC function. The ability of recombinant S100A8, S100A9 or S100A8/9 heterodimer to modulate IgE/antigen (DNP/anti-DNP)-mediated activation of a murine MC line, and of bone marrow-derived (mBM) MC activation was determined. The S100s did not directly induce degranulation or induce IL-6. S100A8 significantly inhibited DNP/anti-DNP-provoked degranulation, and IL-6 and TNF mRNA and protein induction. S100A8 did not alter FcεRIα expression. S100A9 was less effective; and the S100A8/9 complex was also suppressive. S100A8 only weakly suppressed non-specific MC degranulation. Mutation of Cys41 in S100A8 negated its suppressive activity. Because S100A8 scavenges oxidants via this reactive Cys residue, we propose that this may mediate its ability to downmodulate IgE-dependent MC responses. Similar to the thiol scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, S100A8 but not the Ala41 mutant, attenuated DNP/anti-DNP-provoked LAT phosphorylation. However, the disulfide-bonded S100A8 dimer and S100A8 containing a sulfinamide bond between Cys41 and Lys34/35 also reduced MC activation, indicating an additional pathway(s). S100A8 did not suppress antigen/IgE-induced responses of CBMC possibly because these may not truly reflect fullymature human tissue MCs. S100A8 did not alter UVB-induced IL-8 release by CBMCs, or affect apoptosis. Murine S100A8 may have anti-inflammatory properties by regulating MC activation in an activator-specific manner, at least partially by scavenging ROS to suppress intracellular signalling.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Univ., 2004. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Tropical Medicine))--Mahidol University, 2003.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Dept. of Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Physiology, December 1999. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, 2008. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005. / Prepared for: Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology. Bibliography: leaves [89]-118. Also available online.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-13Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:36:16Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 freire_ir_me_araca.pdf: 351696 bytes, checksum: 8de9c54d57cecaf8154b65ccf640d4b9 (MD5) / O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o papel dos Mastócitos (MAST) na resposta tecidual de camundongos com Diabetes Mellitus (DM) submetidos a Doença Periodontal (DP). Os camundongos foram pré-tratados com uma dose única de estreptozotocina (STZ) para indução do DM. Para avaliar o papel dos MAST no controle da DP, os camundongos foram depletados de MAST pelo tratamento com composto 48/80. Subsequentemente foi realizada a indução da DP nos camundongos com DM e controles pela ligadura dos primeiros molares homólogos. Após um período de 7 e 14 dias os animais foram sacrificados para coleta das amostras para ensaios subseqüentes. Os níveis de reabsorção óssea dos camundongos diabéticos e normais foram avaliados radiograficamente para confirmação da presença da DP. O recrutamento de Neutrófilos (NE) foi avaliado pela produção da enzima Mieloperoxidase (MPO) no tecido gengival. Os níveis de IFN-g, IL-4, RANTES/CCL5, KC/CXCL1 e Linfotactina/ XCL1 nos tecidos gengivais e IFN-g e IL-4 no plasma foram avaliados pelo método imunoenzimático (ELISA). Os resultados mostram que animais diabéticos com DP apresentaram após 14 dias da indução da DP uma perda óssea significativa quando comparado ao grupo controle, diferentemente do grupo de 7 dias. Esta perda foi potenciada nos animais diabéticos com DP depletados de MAST. Verificou-se elevados níveis de MPO nos animais normais e com DM após 14 dias da indução da DP. Nos animais com DM e com DP tratados com 48/80 foi observada uma redução parcial dos níveis de MPO. A produção de IFN-g, IL-4, RANTES/CCL5, KC/CXCL1 e Lin-fotactina/XCL1 foi observada nos animais diabéticos independente da indução da DP após o período 7 e 14 dias. Conclui-se então que o DM favoreceu o aumento da perda óssea e o recrutamento de neutrófilos na DP. Como também induziu a produção de altos níveis dos mediadores... / The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Mast cells (MAST) on the tissue response in mice with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) submitted to Periodontal Disease (PD). The mice were pretreated with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) for the induction of DM. To evaluate the role of MAST in the PD, the mice were depleted of MAST by a pretreatment with compound 48/80. Subsequently, PD was induced in diabetic and normoglycemics mice by using a ligature around the first molars homologous. Seven and fourteen days after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed and the samples were collected for the subsequent experiments. The levels of bone resorption in diabetic and normoglycemic mice with PD were radiographically evaluated to confirm the presence of the PD. Neutrophil migration (NE) was quantified by the presence of the MPO enzyme in the gingival tissue. The levels of IFN-g, IL-4, RANTES/CCL5, KC/CXCL1 and Lymphotactin/XCL1 from gingival tissues and plasma were evaluated by Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results showed that diabetic mice had a significant bone resorption 14 days after the induction of PD when compared to normoglycemics mice. This bone resorption was higher in the diabetic MAST-cell depleted mice with PD. The level of MPO was higher in diabetic and normoglycemic mice 14 days after the induction of PD. Furthermore, it was observed a partial reduction of MPO levels in diabetic mice with PD treated with compound 48/80. The level of IFN-g, IL-4, RANTES/CCL5, KC/CXCL1 and Lymphofotactin/XCL was observed in diabetic mice independently of the induction of PD after 7 or 14 days. In conclusion, DM increased bone resorption and neutrophil recruitment in the PD mice, as well as it induced the production of high levels of IFN-g, IL -4, RANTES/CCL5, KC/CXCL1 and Lymphofotactin/XCL1. The MAST depletion increased bone resorption and reduced NE recruitment... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Luiz Cláudio Di Stasi / Banca: Sílvio Luis de Oliveira / Banca: Alessandra Gambero / Banca: Jairo Kenupp Bastos / Banca: Noeli Pereira Rocha / Resumo: As reações alérgicas afetam grande parte da população e tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Nesse sentido, a histamina liberada pelos mastócitos é um mediador importante e a procura por compostos que inibam a liberação do referido mediador se faz necessária tendo em vista que os tratamentos disponíveis apresentam limitações. Estudos prévios demonstraram que o extrato metanólico bruto da casca do caule de Hymenaea stigonocarpa (ME) apresenta atividade inibitória sobre a liberação de histamina. Assim, o presente trabalho realizou o fracionamento biomonitorado do ME a fim de identificar a(s) frações mais ativa(s). As frações foram avaliadas em suspensão de mastócitos peritoneais de ratos Wistar machos desafiados com ionóforo A23187 e composto 48/80 (apenas as frações mais ativas). Posteriormente, a fração mais ativa foi avaliada em mastócitos sensibilizados com ovoalbumina (OVA). A dosagem de histamina foi realizada utilizando-se um sistema fluorimétrico automatizado e a análise fitoquímica por CG/EM. Os resultados mostraram que a fração acetato de etila foi a mais ativa e, na concentração de 100 g/mL inibiu em 78, 98 e 85% a liberação de histamina induzida pelo ionóforo A23187, composto 48/80 e OVA respectivamente. O fracionamento biomonitorado desta fração por cromatografia líquida sob vácuo (CLV) gerou seis sub-frações, das quais as mais ativas demonstraram ser constituídas por terpenos e ácidos graxos de cadeia longa / Abstract: Allergic reactions affect most of the population and has increased in recent years. Accordingly, histamine released by mast cells is an important mediator and search for compounds that inhibit release of that mediator is necessary in order that the treatments available have limitations. Previous studies demonstrated that the crude methanol extract of the stem bark of Hymenaea stigonocarpa (ME) has an inhibitory activity on the histamine release. Thus, the present study performed the bioguided fractionation of the ME in order to identify (s) most active fractions (s). The fractions were evaluated on the histamine release from rat peritoneum mast cells challenged with ionophore A23187 and compound 48/80 (only the most active fractions). Subsequently, the most active fraction was evaluated in mast cells sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). The dosage of histamine was performed using an automated fluorimetric system and phytochemical analysis by GC/MS. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active and at concentration of 100 g/mL inhibited by 78, 98 and 85% histamine release induced by ionophore A23187, compound 48/80 and OVA, respectively. The bioguided-fractionatation of this fraction by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) generated six sub-fractions, of which the most actives showed the presence of terpenes and long chain fatty acids / Doutor