Abstract
We have examined the effect of α-chymotrypsin (α-CT) on isolated mast cells from different sources. The enzyme induced a dose-dependent secretion of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells. The release was non-cytotoxic and was inhibited by metabolic blockers, extremes of temperature, anti-asthmatic drugs and cAMP-active compounds. The process was rapid and was unaffected by phosphatidylserine. A substantial component of the release persisted in the absence of extracellular calcium. The release was suppressed by extremes of pH. Finally, α-CT exhibited a marked tissue and species selectivity in its action. On this basis the possible role of endogenous serine esterases in mast cell activation is discussed.
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