Characteristics of histamine release from rat mast cells in relation to the valency of the stimulating ligand.

The relationship between the valency of a ligand and the subsequent characteristics of histamine release was investigated in rat peritoneal mast cells. The cells were passively sensitized to the DNP hapten and a series of DNP-human serum albumin conjugates of known valency were used to induce histamine release. The rate of release of histamine induced by these conjugates was independent of the DNP/HSA ratio when the ratio was between 71.3 and 7.2. Marked slowing of the release occurred as the ratio was reduced below 7.2. The rate of desensitization of the cells slowed as a continuous function as the DNP/HSA ratio was reduced. 45Calcium uptake measurements showed that the changes in histamine release were paralleled by changes in the membrane permeability to calcium. The rate of release of histamine from mast cells and the rate of desensitization of the cells are discussed in terms of the size of IgE receptor complexes on the cell membrane.