Degranulation In RBL-2H3 Cells Research Articles

Estrogen is an important mediator of mast cell activation in ovarian endometriomas

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Previous research has shown that abnormal enzymes associated with estrogen (E2) metabolism and an increased number of mast cells (MCs) in endometriomas are implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. However, it remains unclear how MCs mediate the role of E2 in endometriosis. Accordingly, we investigated whether E2 was associated with the number of MCs, and the rate of degranulation, in local ovarian endometriomas, as well as the role of E2 on MCs during the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry, we found that concentrations of E2, and the number and activity of MCs, were significantly higher in ovarian endometriomas than in controls, and that these parameters were correlated with the severity of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea. By measuring the release of hexosaminidase, we found that the rate of RBL2H3 cell degranulation increased after E2 treatment. Furthermore, activation of RBL2H3 cells by E2 was found to trigger the release of biologically active nerve growth factor, which promotes neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and also sensitizes dorsal root ganglion cells via upregulation of Nav1.8 and transient receptor potential cation channel (subfamily V member 1) expression levels. When treated with E2, endometriotic cells could promote RBL2H3 cell recruitment by upregulating expression levels of stem cell factor, transforming growth factor-β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; these observations were not evident with control endometrial cells. Thus, elevated E2 concentrations may be a key factor for degranulation and recruitment of MCs in ovarian endometriomas, which play a key role in endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea.

A new eremophilane sesquiterpene from the fungus Xylaria sp. V-27 and inhibition activity against degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells.

A new eremophilane sesquiterpene, 13,13-dimethoxyintegric acid (1), together with known compound integric acid (2) have been isolated from a fungus, Xylaria sp. V-27, obtained from a dead branch. The structure of 1 was established by means of spectroscopic analyses. 1 and 2 promoted growth restoring activity against the mutant yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae (zds1Δ erg3Δ pdr1Δ pdr3Δ)) and inhibited degranulation of rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells stimulated by immnunoglobulin G + 2,4-dinitrophenylated-bovine serum albumin (IgE+DNP-BSA), thapsigargin and A23187.

Suppressive activity of enzymatically-educed soy protein hydrolysates on degranulation in IgE-antigen complex-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells

Background: Soy protein isolate (SPI) is increasingly used in foods because it is a high quality non-dairy protein with excellent functional properties. However, soy allergy is one of the world’s major eight food allergies. Objective: To investigate the anti-allergic activity of soy protein hydrolysates (SPHs) produced with alcalase and pepsin proteases.Methods: SPI was enzymatically hydrolysed using the proteases, while evaluating the reaction conditions which include E/S (enzyme to substrate ratio) of 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% (250 u/mg and 5 u/g of pepsin and alcalase respectively); and hydrolysis time (0 min, 30 min, 1h, 2h, 4h and 8h). Afterwards, rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL)-2H3 cells activated by the IgE-antigen complex were used to assess mast cell degranulation inhibitory activity of the SPHs by the release of β-hexosaminidase. RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized with monoclonal anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) specific IgE and challenged with the antigen DNP-bovine serum albumin in the presence or absence of SPHs.Results: It was observed that 0.1 mg/mL concentration of the 0.5% E/S SPHs prepared in the first 4h significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited β-hexosaminidase release in an IgE-antigen complex-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells compared to those produced at other time intervals, E/S, and concentrations.Conclusion: This is the first report of its kind that shows the ability of SPHs to suppress degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. Consequently, SPHs have good prospects to be used as potential sources of low cost hypo or anti-allergic protein.Keywords: Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Hydrolysates, RBL-2H3 Cells, β-Hexosaminidase, Anti-allergy

Allergenicity and Oral Tolerance of Enzymatic Cross-Linked Tropomyosin Evaluated Using Cell and Mouse Models.

The enzymatic cross-linking of proteins to form high-molecular-weight compounds may alter their sensitization potential. The IgG-/IgE-binding activity, digestibility, allergenicity, and oral tolerance of cross-linked tropomyosin with tyrosinase (CTC) or horseradish peroxidase (CHP) were investigated. ELISA results demonstrated CTC or CHP reduced its IgE-binding activity by 34.5 ± 1.8 and 63.5 ± 0.6%, respectively. Compared with native tropomyosin or CTC, CHP was more easily digested into small fragments; CHP decreased the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and increased endocytosis by dendritic cells. CHP can induce oral tolerance and reduce allergenicity in mice by decreasing IgE and IgG1 levels in serum, the production of T-cell cytokines, and the percentage composition of dendritic cells. These findings demonstrate CHP has more potential of reducing the allergenicity than CTC via influencing the morphology of protein, changing the original method of antigen presentation, modulating the Th1/Th2 immunobalance, and inducing the oral tolerance of the allergen tropomyosin.

Inhibition of Degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells by Extracts and Compounds from Armillaria ostoyae

Abstract Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink is an edible honey mushroom from the family Physalacriaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota). Dichloromethane extracts of mushroom mycelium and fruiting bodies exhibited a significant degranulation inhibiting effect on RBL-2H3 cells using noncytotoxic concentrations. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the mycelial dichloromethane extract led to the isolation of sesquiterpen aryl esters. Methyl linoleate could also be isolated. These substances were obtained from A. ostoyae for the first time, with one compound representing an undescribed natural product. Purified compounds melleolide H and J inhibited degranulation significantly. A. ostoyae could be a candidate for support of allergy treatments.

Protein-bound Vaccinium fruit polyphenols decrease IgE binding to peanut allergens and RBL-2H3 mast cell degranulation in vitro.

Peanut allergy is a worldwide health concern. In this study, the natural binding properties of plant-derived polyphenols to proteins was leveraged to produce stable protein-polyphenol complexes comprised of peanut proteins and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) or lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) pomace polyphenols. Protein-bound and free polyphenols were characterized and quantified by multistep extraction of polyphenols from protein-polyphenol complexes. Immunoblotting was performed with peanut-allergic plasma to determine peanut protein-specific IgE binding to unmodified peanut protein, or to peanut protein-polyphenol complexes. In an allergen model system, RBL-2H3 mast cells were exposed to peanut protein-polyphenol complexes and evaluated for their inhibitory activity on ionomycin-induced degranulation (β-hexosaminidase and histamine). Among the evaluated polyphenolic compounds from protein-polyphenol complex eluates, quercetin, - in aglycone or glycosidic form - was the main phytochemical identified to be covalently bound to peanut proteins. Peanut protein-bound cranberry and blueberry polyphenols significantly decreased IgE binding to peanut proteins at p < 0.05 (38% and 31% decrease, respectively). Sensitized RBL-2H3 cells challenged with antigen and ionomycin in the presence of protein-cranberry and blueberry polyphenol complexes showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in histamine and β-hexosaminidase release (histamine: 65.5% and 65.8% decrease; β-hexosaminidase: 60.7% and 45.4% decrease, respectively). The modification of peanut proteins with cranberry or blueberry polyphenols led to the formation of peanut protein-polyphenol complexes with significantly reduced allergenic potential. Future trials are warranted to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of these protein-polyphenol complexes and the role of quercetin in their hypoallergenic potential.

Evaluation of anaphylactoid constituents in vitro and in vivo

Natural medicine injections have been widely used in clinics, while adverse reaction reports also have increased rapidly in recent years. To examine the anaphylactoid constituents of natural medicine injections, RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and human serum complement activation models were used to screen the anaphylactoid constituents, and the BN rat model was used to explore the anaphylactoid mechanism of these constituents. The result of an in vitro study showed that the individual compounds of natural medicine injections (chlorogenic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, cholalic acid, ginkgolic acid, phillyrin, schisandrin B, schisandrin A, puerarin, and tanshinone IIA) and polysaccharide could not induce RBL-2H3 to release histamine and β-hexosaminidase, while proteins Tween-80 and tannic acid were the main anaphylactoid constituents in the natural medicine injections. The in vivo study also indicated that >10kDa molecules (proteins) activated classical complement pathways through direct stimulation to cause an anaphylactoid reaction. Tween-80 activated direct stimulation and coagulation pathways through classical and alternative pathways; tannic acid induced anaphylactoid reaction through co-activation of the kallikrein-kinin system, coagulation, integrated, classical and alternative complement pathways. This is the first study to evaluate the anaphylactoid constituents systematically through in vitro and in vivo study. And tannic acid, >10kDa molecules (proteins), and injection additives such as Tween-80 are the main anaphylactoid constituents of natural medicine injections.

Human Lactobacillus Strains from the Intestine can Suppress IgE-Mediated Degranulation of Rat Basophilic Leukaemia (RBL-2H3) Cells.

Mast cells play a critical role in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases, and the degranulation of mast cells is important in the pathogenesis of these diseases. A disturbance of the intestinal microflora, especially of endogenous lactic acid bacteria, might be a contributing factor for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Additional knowledge regarding the interaction of human intestinal Lactobacilli with mast cells is still necessary. Twenty-three strains of Lactobacilli, including commercial and reference strains and strains from the human intestine, were tested for their ability to regulate degranulation of cells from rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells (RBL-2H3) in vitro based on a β-hexosaminidase release assay. Each of the tested Lactobacilli characteristically suppressed IgE-mediated degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells, and Lactobacillus GG showed the strongest inhibitory effect on the cells. Furthermore, the bacteria isolated from the human intestine significantly suppressed degranulation of RBL-2H3 cellsin comparison with the reference strains. These results suggest that Lactobacilli, particularly those from the human intestine, can affect the activation of mast cells in a strain-dependent manner. Further study should be conducted to analyse the understanding mechanism.

Inhibitory Activity of Citrus Madurensis Ripe Fruits Extract on Antigen-induced Degranulation in RBL-2H3 Cells

The purpose of this study was to search edible ripe Citrus fruits which are applicable for functional food materials as juice, tea and/or jam with sweet taste and rich aroma. A fifty percent ethanolic extract (CMR-ext) obtained from the edible ripe fruit of Citrus madurensis exhibited an inhibitory activity of antigen-induced degranulation in anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody sensitized rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) -2H3 cells. The inhibitory effect of the CMR-ext on degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells was attributable to 3’,5’-di-C-β-glucopyranosylphloretin (1) which is a constituent of C. madurensis. The effect of 1 on Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) phosphorylation was examined in RBL-2H3 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that 1 (50 μM) inhibited the degranulation by suppression of Akt and p38 phosphorylation.

Imidacloprid inhibits IgE-mediated RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.

BackgroundImidacloprid has been commonly used as a pesticide for crop protection and acts as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. Little information about the relationship between imidacloprid and allergy is available.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the effects of imidacoprid on IgE-mediated mast cell activation.MethodsThe rat basophilic leukemia cell line RBL-2H3 (RBL-2H3 cells) were treated with 10-3 – 10-12 mol/L imidacloprid, followed by measuring the mediator production, influx of Ca2+ in IgE-activated RBL-2H3 cells, and the possible effects of imidacoprid on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA).ResultsIt was shown that imidacoprid suppressed the production of histamine, β-hexosaminidase, leukotriene C4, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Ca2+ mobilization in IgE-activated RBL-2H3 cells and decreased vascular extravasation in IgE-induced PCA.ConclusionIt is the first time to show that imidacloprid suppressed the activation of RBL-2H3 cells.

Vam3, a Compound Derived from Vitis amurensis Rupr., Attenuated Colitis-Related Tumorigenesis by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Background: Chronic inflammation is one of the important mediators of colitis-related colon cancer (CRC). Abundant mast cells (MCs) were observed in the tumor microenvironment and mediators released upon MC activation play an important role in the process of chronic inflammation. Previously, we found that activation of intestine mucosal MCs recruited and modulated the inflammatory CD11b+Gr1+ cells to promote the CRC development. In the current study we investigated the effects of Vam3, a resveratrol dimer with potent anti-inflammatory effects, on CRC development.Methods: RBL-2H3 cells, a basophilic leukemia cell line, were pretreated with 2.5 or 5 µM Vam3 and then stimulated with dinitrophenol-conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The MC degranulation was determined by measuring β-hexosaminidase release. Generation of TNF-α and IL-6 in RBL-2H3 cells or in peritoneal macrophages was determined by ELISA and real-time qPCR. NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 expression was determined by Western blotting. NF-κB activity in RAW264.7 cells was determined by luciferase reporter assay. CRC was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM), followed by oral exposure to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Vam3 at 50 mg/kg, or disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, MC stabilizer) at 100 mg/kg, or vehicle were administrated to the mice 4 weeks after DSS withdrawal. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and mouse MC protease-1 were determined by ELISA. Infiltration of CD11b+Gr1+ cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to compare difference between groups.Results: Pretreatment with Vam3 significantly inhibited RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and inflammatory cytokine production from RBL-2H3 cells and from peritoneal macrophages. After Vam3 treatment, NF-κB activity in RAW264.7 cells, and expressions of phospho-NF-κB p65 in RBL-2H3 cells and in peritoneal macrophages were significantly down-regulated. In the AOM plus DSS-induced CRC murine model, the Vam3 and DSCG-treated mice had less tumor numbers than those treated with vehicle. Expression of phospho-NF-κB p65, production of inflammatory cytokines, and infiltration of MCs and CD11b+Gr1+ cells were attenuated in the Vam3-treated mice.Conclusion: Vam3 treatment could attenuate the CRC development. This effect may be due to its inhibition on NF-κB signaling pathway in MCs and macrophages of the inflamed intestines.

Inhibitory Effects of Echinochrome A, Isolated from Shell of the Sea Urchin Anthocidaris crassispina, on Antigen-Stimulated Degranulation in Rat Basophilic Leukemia RBL-2H3 Cells through Suppression of Lyn Activation

Echinochrome A (Echi-A) was isolated from the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina and its structure determined using ID and 2D-NMR. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effect of Echi-A on antigen-stimulated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells, which were suppressed in a dose dependent manner.. The antigens bind to the high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor, which is expressed on the surface of mast cells and basophils and activate intracellular signal transduction, resulting in the release of biologically active mediators such as histamine. In order to disclose the inhibitory mechanisms of degranulation by Echi-A, we examined the elevation in intracellular C²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]i), production levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and early intracellular signaling events. Both elevation of [Ca²⁺] and intracellular ROS production were markedly suppressed in cells treated with Echi-A. Echi-A also suppressed the activation of Lyn, Syk, and PLCyl/2 in antigen-stimulated cells. These results indicated that inhibition of antigen-stimulated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells by Echi-A is mainly due to the inactivation of Lyn/Syk/PLCy signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that Echi-A could be a beneficial agent for alleviating the symptoms of type I allergy.

Yeast Ca2 +-signal transduction inhibitors isolated from Dominican amber prevent the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells through the inhibition of Ca2 +-influx

A new norlabdane compound, named kujigamberol has previously been isolated from Kuji amber (but not from Baltic amber) by activity guided fractionation. However, there has been no study of biological compounds in Dominican amber. Biological activities were examined using the hypersensitive mutant yeast (zds1Δ erg3Δ pdr1Δ pdr3Δ) with respect to Ca2+-signal transduction, enzymes and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis including high resolution (HR)-EI-MS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR. Three diterpenoid compounds, 5(10)-halimen-15-oic acid (1), 3-cleroden-15-oic acid (2) and 8-labden-15-oic acid (3), which are different from the bioactive compounds in Kuji and Baltic ambers, were isolated from Dominican amber. They inhibited both calcineurin (CN) (IC50=40.0, 21.2 and 34.2μM) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) (IC50=48.9, 43.8 and 41.1μM) which are involved in the growth restored activity against the mutant yeast. The most abundant compound 2 showed inhibitory activity against both degranulation and Ca2+-influx in RBL-2H3 cells. The compounds having the growth restoring activity against the mutant yeast have potential as anti-allergic compounds.

Cinnamaldehyde derivatives inhibit degranulation and inflammatory mediator production in rat basophilic leukemia cells

Mast cells play a critical role in allergic diseases. Therefore, development of new therapeutic agents that suppresses the activation of mast cells may help prevent or treat allergic diseases. Here, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of 4-chloro-cinnamaldehyde and 4-trifluoro-cinnamaldehyde in RBL-2H3 cells. β-Hexosaminidase assays revealed that degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells was decreased following treatment with 60μM 4-chloro-cinnamaldehyde or 4-trifluoro-cinnamaldehyde. Moreover, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that the relative expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4, and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNAs were decreased in RBL-2H3 cells treated with 4-chloro-cinnamaldehyde and 4-trifluoro-cinnamaldehyde in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, 4-chloro-cinnamaldehyde blocked the phosphorylation of MKKs and MAPKs. These data clearly suggested that 4-chloro-cinnamaldehyde and 4-trifluoro-cinnamaldehyde had inhibitory effects on the inflammatory responses of mast cells and may have potential as novel therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of allergic diseases.

Structure–activity relationships of vanillic acid ester analogs in inhibitory effect of antigen-mediated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells

Methyl vanillate (1) showed strong degranulation inhibitory activity among vanillin derivatives tested. In order to find structure–activity relationships for developing anti-allergic agents with simple structures and potent activity, we synthesized several vanillic acid (VA) ester derivatives with C1–C4 and C8 alkyl chains and evaluated their degranulation inhibitory activities. The most active compound of VA ester derivatives was derivative 5 with a C4 straight alkyl chain, and derivative 5 exhibited approximately three-fold greater inhibitory activity than that of 1. Moreover, we designed 8 types of analogs based on 5, and we found that the minimum structure for potent degranulation inhibitory activity requires direct connection of the butyl ester moiety on the benzene ring and at least one hydroxyl group on the benzene ring. Butyl meta or para hydroxyl benzoate (10 or 11) has a simpler structure than that of 5 and exhibited more potent degranulation inhibitory activity than that of 5.

Effects of Viola yedoensis Makino anti-itching compound on degranulation and cytokine generation in RBL-2H3 mast cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Chinese herb compound prescription Viola yedoensis Makino Anti-itching Compound (VYAC), which consists of Viola yedoensis Makino, herb, Sophora flavescens Aiton, root, and Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz, root and rhizome, has been traditionally used to treat various skin allergic inflammatory diseases in clinic. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of VYAC on degranulation and to determine its anti-inflammatory mechanism in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Materials and methodsVYAC was extracted with water-coction extraction (Shufen et al., 2012). The aqueous extracts were concentrated in vacuum under reduced pressure and lyophilized using a freeze dryer, and lyophilized powder was obtained. MTT was used to evaluate the cytotoxic of VYAC on RBL-2H3 cells. Degranulation was carried out with RBL-2H3 cell model, which was stimulated with A23187 plus PMA. β-Hexosaminidase and histamine were measured to evaluate degranulation. The mRNA levels of inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) were investigated by RT-PCR to explain the anti-inflammatory mechanism of VYAC. ResultsVYAC did not show cytotoxic effect on RBL-2H3 cells in the range of 25–400μg/mL. A higher dose of VYAC (800μg/mL) showed significant cytotoxicity (P<0.05). VYAC could significantly inhibit β-hexosaminidase and histamine release when treated with 100, 200, and 400μg/mL (P<0.05), but could not significantly inhibit β-Hexosaminidase and histamine release when treated with 25 and 50μg/mL (p>0.05). The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS) could significantly decrease when treated with 200 and 400μg/mL (P<0.05) of VYAC, which were associated with the development of inflammation. ConclusionsResults showed that VYAC inhibited β-hexosaminidase and histamine release, which was inhibit A23187 plus PMA stimulated RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) expression to block inflammatory development.

A high content screening method for detection of anaphylactoid reaction of injection formulations

Anaphylactoid reaction (AR) is the most common adverse reaction of injection formulations, however, there are obvious drawbacks in available methods for AR detection. A novel in vitro detection method for AR was established based on fluorescent labeling and high content screen (HCS) system in present study. With the use of RBL-2H3 cells degranulation model, positive cell count was determined with specific cellular membrane fluorescent dye FM4-64 labeling vesicle recycle, and total cells count was determined with specific nucleus fluorescent dye Hochest 3334, and then the ratio of cells degranulation after drug stimulation was calculated. In order to verify the reliability of this HCS method, positive drug Compound 48/80 was first used to confirm the consistence of HCS method with the traditional β-hexosaminidase release test and the Evans blue staining ears test in mice. The results showed high consistence between HCS method and traditional testing methods, and the HCS method showed higher sensitivity than the other two tests. Then 30 samples of Danhong injection (DHI) with clinical allergy symptoms further were used to confirm the reliability of this HCS method. The HCS results showed high consistence with the clinical report, and the HCS method had the advantage in reducing the interference by drug color. Therefore, this HCS method is reliable, sensitive, simple and high-throughput method in detection of AR, applicable for the AR evaluation of injection formulations, and can provide guidance for safety of clinical application in clinical practice.

A novel in vitro co-culture model comprised of Caco-2/RBL-2H3 cells to evaluate anti-allergic effects of food factors through the intestine

The prevalence of type I allergic diseases such as food allergy and allergic rhinitis has increased. Therefore, many studies have focused on food factors with anti-allergic activities in recent years. In order to investigate the effect of food factors on mast cell activation, a RBL-2H3 cell monoculture system has been widely used, in which various food factors have been reported to inhibit degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. However, some orally administered food factors do not interact directly with immune cells but do so indirectly through intestinal epithelial cells. In this report, we established a novel in vitro co-culture model to evaluate anti-allergic effects of orally administered food factors. The co-culture system, comprised of Caco-2 cells (apical component) and RBL-2H3 cells (basolateral component), was able to evaluate the effects of two flavonoids that are known to have the inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation. Moreover, we evaluated the anti-allergic effects of Enterococcus faecalis strains that are not absorbed through the intestine. We identified two strains of lactic acid bacteria that had inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation using this co-culture system and possessed anti-allergic properties in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model mouse. This novel in vitro co-culture model was applicable for finding food factors with anti-allergic effects and might be useful for examining its anti-allergic mechanisms.

Effect of concurrent administration of nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin on the symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis models in mice

Nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin were previously demonstrated to suppress mast cell de-granulation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the multiple anti-allergic effects of both substances by simultaneous treatment were examined in order to determine if they could further mitigate allergic symptoms. Concurrent treatment with nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin effectively suppressed de-granulation of RBL-2H3 cells by inhibiting increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Immunoblot analysis showed that phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Akt, and Syk in RBL-2H3 cells was all inhibited by the concurrent presence of nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin. Moreover, concurrent administration of nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin reduced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice compared with nobiletin or β-lactoglobulin administered alone. In addition, the concurrent administration of freeze-dried Citrus unshiu peel powder and yogurt whey containing these bioactive substances also reduced PCA reaction and allergic symptoms of a murine model of Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Atomic force microscopy study of ionomycin-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells.

Mast cell degranulation is the typical anaphylaxis process of mast cells associated with the release of cytokines, eicosanoids and their secretory granules, which play very important roles in the allergic inflammatory response of the human body upon anaphylactogen stimulation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin is widely used as a degranulation induction agent for mast cell degranulation studies. In the present work, ionomycin-induced degranulation of RBL-2H3 basophilic leukemia cell line cells was investigated in vitro by high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). Ionomycin, which could increase the intracellular free Ca2+ level and β-Hexosaminidase release, was found to induce the formation of a kind of peculiar vesicles in the cytoplasm area of RBL-2H3 cells. Those vesicles induced by ionomycin would desintegrate to release a larger amount of granules surrounding RBL-2H3 cells by the controlling of F-actin. These results provide the precise morphological information of ionomycin-induced mast cell degranulation at nanoscale, which could benefit our understanding of ionomycin-induced mast cell anaphylaxis model and also validate the applicability of AFM for the detection of allergic inflammatory response in mast cells. SCANNING 38:525-534, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.