Number Of Mucosal Mast Cells Research Articles

Benefit of Satureja khuzestanica in subchronically rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis

Cyclophosphamide (CP) as a widely used antineoplastic drug causes hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) mainly via induction of oxidative stress. Regarding established antioxidant potential of Satureja khuzestanica (Lamiaceae) essential oil (SKEO), we aimed to investigate its protective effects in a subchronic rat model of CP-induced HC. CP (6mg/kg/day) and SKEO (225mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination by gavage for 28 days. Histopathological changes were investigated by light microscopy. Plasma samples were assayed for lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant power as biomarkers of toxic stress.In the CP-treated animals, irregular mucus layer, severe hemorrhage and edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and accumulation of mast cells were observed. In the CP+SKEO group, a relatively normal urothelial topography with decreased number of mucosal mast cells and inflammatory cells were observed. Increased lipid peroxidation along with decreased total antioxidant capacity resulting from CP treatment was significantly recovered by SKEO co-treatment.It is concluded that SKEO protects rats from CP-induced HC by reduction of free radical-induced toxic stress. It is strongly recommended to examine SKEO in the clinic to approve its benefit in patients undertaking CP.

A distinct subset of submucosal mast cells undergoes hyperplasia following neonatal maternal separation: a role in visceral hypersensitivity?

We recently read with great interest the article published by Barreau et al ( Gut 2008; 57 :582–90) who report, as one of their primary findings, mast cell hyperplasia and...

A Th2 type of immune response is associated with increased resistance to Haemonchus contortus in naturally infected Gulf Coast Native lambs

Haemonchus contortus is one of the major nematode parasites causing substantial economic losses in small ruminant farming worldwide. Recently, effectiveness of anthelmintic treatment has decreased due to an increasing problem of nematode populations that have developed resistance to anthelmintics. Efforts to develop effective vaccines have had limited success. There are certain breeds of sheep that are relatively resistant to the parasite including Gulf Coast Native (Native) sheep. Understanding the protective nature of the immune response that helps these breeds of sheep control infection could enable the development of vaccines to enhance control programs. This experiment was designed to compare the immunological responses of resistant Native versus susceptible Suffolk sheep in order to identify the mechanisms responsible for this resistance. Immune responses were evaluated in naturally infected Native and Suffolk lambs that grazed pasture contaminated predominantly with H. contortus. Ten lambs of each breed grazed together for 42 days. Fecal, blood and serum samples were collected on 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of exposure. Five lambs of each breed were necropsied on day 35 and five on day 42 for nematode recovery and abomasal tissue sample collection. Throughout the course of infection, Native lambs had significantly lower FEC, significantly lower PCV reduction percent, and significantly higher serum IgE after day 14 and increased expression of IL-4 on day 10 post-exposure compared to Suffolk lambs. At both necropsy time points, Native lambs had significantly greater numbers of mucosal mast cells, eosinophils and globule leukocytes in abomasal mucosa than Suffolk lambs. Results indicated that Native lambs had a more pronounced immune response to infection with H. contortus than Suffolk lambs which may be responsible for the observed resistance to infection.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on substance P, its receptorand corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with irritablebowel syndrome

To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of rats. A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and EA group. A rat model of IBS was established by constraining the limbs and distending the colorectum of rats. Rats in EA group received bilateral EA at ST25 and ST37 with a sparse and intense waveform at a frequency of 2/50 Hz for 15 min, once a day for 7 d as a course. Rats in normal and model groups were stimulated by distending colorectum (CR). An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scoring system was used to evaluate improvements in visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue-improved method, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay were used to observe mucosal mast cells (MC), changes of substance P (SP) and substance P receptor (SPR) in colon and change of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus. The threshold of visceral sense was significantly lower in model group than in normal group, and significantly higher in EA group than in model group. The number of mucosal MC was greater in model group than in normal group and significantly smaller in EA group than in model group. The CRH level in hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in model group than in normal group, which was remarkably decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. The SP and SPR expression in colon of rats in model group was decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. EA at ST25 and ST37 can decrease the number of mucosal MC and down-regulate the expression of CRH in hypothalamus, and the expression of SP and SPR in colon of rats with IBS.

Therapeutic Effect of Kakkonto in a Mouse Model of Food Allergy with Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Background: The number of patients with food allergy has increased dramatically over the last several decades. However, there is no effective drug for food allergies. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of kakkonto, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, in a mouse model of food allergy with gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized twice with ovalbumin (OVA) and then were repeatedly given OVA by oral intubation (OVA mice). Kakkonto was administered orally before the OVA challenges. Results: The OVA mice developed allergic diarrhea (91.8 ± 3.8% after 6 OVA challenges), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was dramatically elevated in the colons of the OVA mice. Kakkonto significantly suppressed the occurrence of allergic diarrhea and MPO activity in the OVA mice. Furthermore, the number of mucosal mast cells was greatly increased in the proximal colons of the OVA mice, and this was also suppressed by kakkonto. Interestingly, mRNA expression of helper T cell type 1 (Th1) cytokines (IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10) were significantly upregulated in the proximal colons of the OVA mice, an effect which was also reduced by kakkonto. Transcriptome analysis detected increased mRNA expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 in the proximal colons of OVA mice, which was decreased by kakkonto administration. Conclusion: Kakkonto has immunosuppressive effects and interferes with the infiltration of mucosal mast cells in the colons of mice with induced food allergy, leading to improvement of allergic symptoms. Kakkonto has potential as a therapeutic drug for treatment of allergic symptoms induced by the disruption of intestinal mucosal immunity.

Haplorchis taichui: Worm recovery rate and immune responses in infected rats ( Rattus norvegicus)

Worm recovery rate, mucosal mast cells (MMCs), eosinophils and serum IgE concentration in rats were investigated after orally feeding 300 Haplorchis taichui metacercariae to male rats. The duodenal, jejunal and ileal tissue sections were stained with 1% alcian blue and 0.5% safranin-O for MMC count. Eosinophil count and the serum IgE concentration assay were measured from cardiac puncture blood. The average worm recovery rates were 20.00%, 13.00%, 0.67%, 1.67% and 0.00% on day 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-infection (PI), respectively. The number of MMCs in the infected rats were significantly higher than in the controls ( P < 0.01), reaching a peak on day 21 PI. They decreased thereafter, with the decline in worm recovery. Eosinophil count and Serum IgE concentration were also increased but not significantly higher than the controls. However, they showed a positive relationship to worm recovery. It could be concluded from the results that MMCs, eosinophils and IgE may play an important role in the expulsion of H. taichui from rat intestine. However, the mechanism by which the MMC result in the helminth expulsion still need to be understood, and it is recommended that other cells such as goblet cells be studied further.

W1658 Comparison of GFAP Expression and Mucosal Mast Cell Numbers in Pediatric Intestinal Diseases

W1658 Comparison of GFAP Expression and Mucosal Mast Cell Numbers in Pediatric Intestinal Diseases

Increased levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin E2 in gastrointestinal tract mucus are associated with decreased faecal dry matter in Merino rams during nematode infection

Immune-mediated scouring in sheep is a mucosal hypersensitivity response incited by infective larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes in the southern half of Australia and in New Zealand, regions characterised by a Mediterranean, winter-rainfall climate. To gain insights into the underlying mechanism(s), this study investigated the relationship between nematode infection of sheep in pens, faecal dry matter and release of inflammatory mediators in the intestinal tract. Six worm-free, immune rams received a dose of 3000 Trichostrongylus third stage larvae (L3) and 3000 Ostertagia L3 per week for 6 weeks, after which they were euthanased. Three rams acted as uninfected controls. Faecal dry matter was significantly lower in the infected group from the first week of infection until the end of the trial. Concentrations of cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin E2 were higher in mucus from both the abomasum and the small intestine of infected rams compared with controls. Within the infected group, concentrations of both mediators were higher in mucus from the small intestine than from the abomasum. There were greater numbers of eosinophilic granulocytes and mucosal mast cells in abomasal and small-intestinal tissue sections from infected rams compared with the controls. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that nematode infection causes an inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal mucosa, characterised by increased fluid secretion.

Experimental infection of Haemonchus contortus strains resistant and susceptible to benzimidazoles and the effect on mast cells distribution in the stomach of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Establishment rate of Haemonchus contortus in non-suppressed and immunosuppressed gerbils within 14 days post-infection was compared after inoculation with 1,000 third-stage larvae (L3), exsheathed BZ-susceptible larvae. Based on significantly higher number of larvae in gerbils receiving low doses of immunosuppressant agent hydrocortisone, development of benzimidazole (BZ)-susceptible and BZ-resistant strain of nematode in the stomach was studied on days 4, 7, 10, and 14 p.i. Sections of stomach from both groups of animals were examined for overall histopathological response and dynamics of mucosal mast cells (MMC) and connective tissue mast cells (CTMC). In the immunosuppressed gerbils, H. contortus L3 stage larvae developed to the L4 stage on days 10 and 14 p.i., and their sex ratio was higher toward female worms. Significantly higher ratios of establishment rate were recorded for BZ-susceptible than BZ-resistant strain. Infection elicited strong inflammation mainly in the lamina propria mucosae, where MMC numbers peaked on day 7 p.i., being present in a significantly higher numbers in gerbils infected with BZ-susceptible strain. Infection with BZ-susceptible strain of nematode also resulted in a higher number of CTMC in comparison with the effect of BZ-resistant strain, which were observed in the tela submucosa only. Thus, H. contortus infection in gerbils seems to be a suitable model to study host-parasite interactions. Our results indicate that BZ-resistant strain of H. contortus have a decreased capacity to establish infection in direct relation with lower mucosal and connective tissue MCs counts in the stomach.

Local Administration of Interleukin-11 Ameliorates Intestinal Radiation Injury in Rats

Intestinal radiation injury is dose limiting during abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy and critical for the outcome after accidental whole-body radiation exposure. The multifunctional cytokine, interleukin-11 (IL-11), ameliorates the intestinal radiation response, but its clinical use is hampered by severe toxicity after systemic administration. This study addressed whether protection against intestinal radiation injury can be achieved by intraluminal administration of IL-11. Male rats underwent surgical transposition of a 4-cm small bowel loop to the scrotum. For repeated intraluminal drug administration, an ileostomy, proximal to the bowel loop in the scrotum, was created. The transposed intestinal loop was exposed to 5 Gy fractions on 9 consecutive days. Recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11; 2 mg/kg/d) or vehicle was given through the ileostomy from 2 days before until 2 weeks after irradiation. At 2 weeks, structural, cellular, and molecular aspects of intestinal radiation injury were assessed. rhIL-11 ameliorated structural manifestations of radiation enteropathy, including radiation injury score (6.5 +/- 0.6 in the vehicle group versus 4.0 +/- 0.3 in the IL-11 group; P = 0.001), mucosal surface area loss (0.2 +/- 0.1 versus 0.5 +/- 0.03; P < 0.0001), and intestinal wall thickening (842 +/- 66 microm versus 643 +/- 54 microm; P = 0.02), reduced postradiation transforming growth factor-beta overexpression, and reduced numbers of ED2-positive cells. Postirradiation mucosal mast cell numbers were partially restored by rhIL-11. These data show that local administration of rhIL-11 ameliorates early intestinal radiation injury and support further development of rhIL-11 to reduce manifestations of intestinal radiation injury in the clinic.

Milk fermentation products of L. helveticus R389 activate calcineurin as a signal to promote gut mucosal immunity

BackgroundFermented milks containing probiotic bacteria are a way of delivering bioactive constituents to targets in the gastrointestinal tract. We reported previously that the fermentation of milk at constant pH 6 by L. helveticus R389 increased its content of peptide fractions, and the oral administration of the non-bacterial fraction (FMSpH6) to mice increased total secretory IgA in the intestinal lumen and enhanced the number of IgA and various cytokines producing cells as well as the secretion of IL-6 by small intestine epithelial cells. We also demonstrated that this FMSpH6 was effective for the prevention of Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice. In this work, we studied in mice the impact of the oral administration of the supernatant of milk fermented by L. helveticus R389 on the gut physiology by measuring parameters such as calcium channels and E-cadherin expression, the activation of the biological signal calcineurin and mast and goblet cells, as a way to determine some mechanisms involved in the immunomodulating effects of the milk fermentation products, observed in previous studies. We analyzed the impact of the supernatant of milk fermented by L. helveticus R389 at pH6-controlled on the expression of calcineurin and on the reinforcement of the ephitelial barrier, measuring parameters such as calcium channels and E-cadherin expression and in the reinforcement of the non-specific immunity determining mast cells and goblet cells associated to the gut.ResultsWe observed an enhanced expression of TRPV6 channels in the duodenum, indicating an improved capacity for dietary Ca2+ uptake. We demonstrated an enhanced expression of calcineurin in the small intestine, able to upregulate immune parameters such as IL-2 and TNF production, with an increase in the number of these cytokines secreting cells. We determined an increase in the number of mucosal mast cells and goblet cells, which would mean an improved state of mucosal surveillance at sites of infection.ConclusionThe oral administration of the supernatant of milk fermented by L. helveticus R389 enhanced the gut mucosal immunity by improving the mechanisms that reinforce the epithelial and non-specific barriers and the gut functioning at sites of infection, with an improvement in the expression of the enzyme calcineurin, an important signal in the network that activates the gut immune system. The results of this work contribute to revealing the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulation of the gut immune function by fermented milks with probiotic bacteria.

The effect of vaccinating infection during pregnancy and dietary protein supply on the peri-parturient immune response of sheep to infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae

It is well established that dietary protein supply can influence the peri-parturient breakdown of immunity to nematode parasites but there is no information on the importance of exposure to nematode larvae during pregnancy for this response. We investigated this by exposing housed pregnant sheep, scanned as carrying two lambs, to a vaccinating infection with a trickle mixed infection of Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae (L3) or to no infection during weeks − 9 to − 4 relative to parturition. At the beginning of week − 3 all sheep were treated with anthelmintic to remove any vaccinating worm burden and from week − 2 to week +6 received a trickle challenge infection with the same nematodes. Within each vaccinating treatment there were two nutritional treatments (no. = 20 per subgroup) designed to provide 1.5 or 1.0 and 1.3 or 0.8 of metabolisable protein (MP) requirement during pregnancy and lactation, respectively. Five ewes were necropsied during weeks +1 and +3 to measure worm burdens and mucosal inflammatory cells and the remainder maintained until week +6. Serum levels of total, IgA and IgE antibodies against L3 antigen of each nematode were measured.Scanning errors and lamb losses resulted in some ewes carrying and/or rearing only one lamb. Numbers of lambs reared was therefore introduced as a treatment effect. Vaccinating infection delayed the peri-parturient rise in faecal egg count (FEC) by an average of 2 weeks but its effect on FEC during the first 6 weeks of lactation was smaller and less persistent than that of dietary MP supply and single- v. twin-suckling.Populations of both nematodes were lower in association with high MP supply, vaccination and single suckling. These changes were associated with increases in numbers of mucosal mast cells (MMC) as a result of both increased MP supply and vaccination. Evidence for a more rapid return of host ability to limit populations of the abdominal nematode T. circumcincta than of the intestinal nematode T. colubriformis was associated with fewer eosinophils and more globule leucocytes (GL) in abomasal than in intestinal tissue.None of the serum antibody isotypes was affected by dietary protein supply. Total and IgA antibodies were maintained by a current larval (vaccinating) intake. IgA titres, however, increased progressively during pregnancy, especially in twin-bearing ewes. IgE titres appeared to be sensitive primarily to the reproductive cycle itself, peaking around parturition.This work supports the conclusion that availability of MP supply influences the recruitment and activity of cells of the immune armoury of the gastro-intestinal tract to nematode parasites. The precise outcome may differ with site and/or nematode species.

Colonic Mast Cell Infiltration in Rats with TNBS-Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity

Colonic mucosal mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndromes. This study was designed to investigate the roles of mucosal mast cells in development of an experimental visceral hypersensitivity induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. TNBS, when injected into the proximal colon through laparotomy, produced a significant decrease in pain threshold of the distal colon to mechanical distention, indicating a visceral hypersensitivity. In the proximal colon that was directly insulted by TNBS, mucosal necrosis and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration were observed with concomitant increase in tissue myeloperoxide (MPO) activity. In the distal colon where distention stimuli were applied, the number of mucosal mast cells significantly increased following TNBS treatment, although neither mucosal injury nor increase in tissue MPO activity was observed. In an organ culture, spontaneous release of a mucosal mast cell-specific protease (RMCP-2) from the distal colon tissue of TNBS-treated rats was significantly larger than that of sham animals. Furthermore, TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity was significantly suppressed by subcutaneous pretreatment with a mast cell stabilizer doxantrazole in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that prominent colonic mast cell infiltration associated with an enhanced spontaneous mediator release is responsible, at least partly, for development of visceral hypersensitivity induced by TNBS in rats.

Orazipone, a locally acting immunomodulator, ameliorates intestinal radiation injury: A preclinical study in a novel rat model

Intestinal radiation injury (radiation enteropathy) is relevant to cancer treatment, as well as to radiation accidents and radiation terrorism scenarios. This study assessed the protective efficacy of orazipone, a locally-acting small molecule immunomodulator. Male rats were orchiectomized, a 4-cm segment of small bowel was sutured to the inside of the scrotum, a proximal anteperistaltic ileostomy was created for intraluminal drug administration, and intestinal continuity was re-established by end-to-side anastomosis. After three weeks postoperative recovery, the intestine in the "scrotal hernia" was exposed locally to single-dose or fractionated X-radiation. Orazipone (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered daily through the ileostomy, either during and after irradiation, or only after irradiation. Structural, cellular, and molecular aspects of intestinal radiation toxicity were assessed two weeks after irradiation. Orazipone significantly ameliorated histologic injury and transforming growth factor-beta immunoreactivity levels, both after single-dose and fractionated irradiation. Intestinal wall thickness was significantly reduced after single-dose and nonsignificantly after fractionated irradiation. Mucosal surface area and numbers of mast cells were partially restored by orazipone after single-dose irradiation. This work (1) demonstrates the utility of the ileostomy rat model for intraluminal administration of response modifiers in single-dose and fractionated radiation studies; (2) shows that mucosal immunomodulation during and/or after irradiation ameliorates intestinal toxicity; and (3) highlights important differences between single-dose and fractionated radiation regimens.

Protective effects of taurine on protamine sulfate induced bladder damage

The present study was designed to investigate the putative protective effects of taurine on protamine sulfate (PS) induced bladder injury. Wistar albino female rats were catheterized and intravesically infused with phosphate buffered solution (control group) or PS (PS group) dissolved in phosphate buffered solution. In the PS + taurine (PS+Tau) group, after the PS instillation, taurine (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days. Histopathological changes were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Tissue samples were also obtained to determine bladder malondialdehyde (MDA) (a biomarker of oxidative damage) and glutathione (GSH) (a biomarker of protective oxidative injury) levels. In the PS group ulcerated areas, an irregular mucus layer, inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased number of mast cells were observed. In the PS+Tau group, a relatively normal urothelial topography, glycosaminoglycan layer, and decreased number of mucosal mast cells and inflammatory cells were observed. Increased MDA levels as a result of PS induction lead us to propose that free radicals may have a critical role in this injury. The significant decrease in MDA and increase in GSH levels in the PS+Tau group compared to PS group was in accordance with morphological findings. Based on the results, taurine treatment significantly prevented PS induced degenerative morphological and biochemical changes of urinary bladder mucosa.

Immunohistochemical study of chymase-positive mast cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Mast cell-derived chymase promotes inflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis. Although previous studies have reported changes in the number of mucosal mast cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the behaviour of chymase immunopositive mast cells has not been studied. In this study, we immunohistochemically investigated chymase immunopositive mast cells in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. Surgically-obtained or biopsy specimens from 10 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 10 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 10 normal colorectal tissue specimens were used. The chymase immunopositive cells were identified by immunohistochemical analysis using a monoclonal anti-human chymase antibody. In the normal colonic mucosa, a small number of chymase immunopositive mast cells were detected at the basal sites of the mucosa. There were no immunopositive cells in the submucosa. Chymase immunopositive mast cells were similarly observed in the inactive UC mucosa, but these cells decreased significantly in number in the active UC mucosa. In the inactive CD mucosa, the number of chymase immunopositive mast cells increased significantly (P < 0.05), and this was more clearly observed in the active CD mucosa. Furthermore, in the active CD mucosa, these cells were detected in the submucosa, propria muscularis, and surrounding fatty tissue. These observations suggest a crucial role for chymase immunopositive mast cells in the pathophysiology of CD. Since intestinal fibrotic changes such as stricture formation are a characteristic feature of CD, chymase immunopositive mast cells may act as a stimulus for the process of tissue fibrosis and tissue remodelling in the pathophysiology of CD.

Effects of Trichinella spiralis infection on intestinal pathology in mice lacking interleukin-4 (IL-4) or intestinal trefoil factor (ITF/TFF3)

The nematode Trichinella spiralis induces pathological changes in the small intestine of the host, which are known to be controlled by immune and inflammatory mediators. The detail of this control has still to be completely understood. Mice deficient in interleukin 4 (IL-4) or in intestinal trefoil factor/trefoil family factor 3 (ITF/TFF3) were infected with T. spiralis and the resultant changes in the intestinal mucosa followed by quantifying numbers of mucosal mast cells, goblet cells, Paneth cells and by monitoring structural changes in villus length and crypt depth. Mice lacking IL-4 were unable to mount a normal protective response to infection, such that worm survival was increased. These mice failed to mount a mucosal mast cell response, but did make goblet cell and Paneth cell responses comparable to normal controls. Mice lacking ITF/TFF3 similarly made normal levels of goblet cell and Paneth cell responses. They also underwent profound changes in mucosal architecture, with marked villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. These results are discussed in relation to known patterns of T cell and cytokine control of protective immunity to T. spiralis. They suggest that increased numbers of goblet cell and Paneth cell are not, by themselves, required for protective immunity. ITF/TFF3 appears not to influence cellular responses and does not alter parasite-induced pathological changes in the small intestine.

Nematode Infection in Alymphoplasia (aly) Mice: Worm Species‐Dependent Differential Effect of Defects of the Gut‐Associated Lymphatic Tissue System

Mice homologous for the alymphoplasia mutation (aly) show the systemic absence of secondary lymphoid tissues, with disorganized splenic architecture, including the absence of the germinal centre and follicular dendritic cells. In this study, we examined the influence of defects of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), such as Peyer's patches and the mesenteric lymph nodes, on the host response to helminth infection in aly/aly mice. The present study showed that most of the worms were expelled by day 7 after Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in both control aly/+ and aly/aly mice. In aly/aly mice, the number of peripheral blood eosinophils, intestinal goblet cells and mucosal mast cells were increased by N. brasiliensis infection in aly/aly mice to the same level as in the controls. Conversely, aly/aly mice developed more severe Heligmosomoides polygyrus infections than control aly/+ mice, as demonstrated by increased faecal egg counts, with reduced immune responses such as the numbers of intestinal goblet cells and mucosal mast cells. These results suggested that the dependency of GALT in activation of Th2 responses against gastrointestinal nematodes was different depending on the species of nematode.

Aqueous Garlic Extract Inhibits Protamine Sulfate-Induced Bladder Damage

This morphological and biochemical study aims to investigate the antioxidant effects of chronic administration of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) on protamine sulfate (PS)-induced bladder injury. Wistar albino female rats were catheterized and intravesically infused with phosphate-buffered solution (control group) or PS (PS group) dissolved in phosphate-buffered solution. In the PS + AGE group after the PS instillation, AGE (1 ml/kg, i.p., corresponding to 250 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days. Bladder morphology was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Tissue samples were also obtained to determine bladder malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione levels. In the PS group, ulcerated areas, an irregular mucus layer, inflammatory cell infiltration and an increased number of mast cells were observed. In the PS + AGE group a relatively normal urothelial topography, glycosaminoglycan layer and a decreased number of mucosal mast cells and inflammatory cells were observed. Increased MDA levels as a result of PS induction led us to propose that free radicals may have a critical role in this injury. The significant decrease in MDA and increase in glutathione levels in the PS + AGE group was in accordance with morphological findings. Based on the results, AGE treatment significantly prevented PS-induced degenerative morphological and biochemical changes of urinary bladder mucosa.

Mucosal mast cell counts correlate with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Although increased mast cells in the gut and their role in visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome have been postulated, this relationship remains unclear. Our aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between the number of mucosal mast cells in the gut and visceral hypersensitivity. Eighteen patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) (eight females, 10 males aged 25-65 years; mean 42.6 years) with symptoms meeting the Rome-II criteria, and 15 healthy controls (five females, 10 males aged 31-57 years; mean 41.4 years) were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire for bowel symptoms and psychological distress. Colonic mucosal mast cells were identified immunohistochemically and quantified by image analysis, and maximally tolerable pressures were evaluated using barostat test. Numbers of mast cells were significantly greater in the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum of D-IBS patients compared with controls (P<0.01). A multivariate analysis of the barostat test showed that maximally tolerable pressures of D-IBS patients were significantly lower than those of controls (P<0.01). When patients were divided into the rectal hypersensitivity (+) and (-) groups by the distension level of 34 mmHg, mast cell counts were significantly higher in the rectal hypersensitivity (-) group than in the rectal hypersensitivity (+) group for the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum (P<0.05, respectively). Rectal sensitivity was enhanced in D-IBS patients with moderately increased mucosal mast cells, but it was attenuated in patients with markedly increased ones. This study might provide evidence for an important role of mast cells in visceral hypersensitivity.