Sensitization of mice to chemical allergens modulates the responsiveness of isolated mast cells to IgE-dependent activation.

It is known that the release of granule-associated inflammatory amines by isolated mouse tissue-type mast cells is subject to regulation in vitro by a number of cytokines that are produced during the immune response. In this study we investigated whether mast cell secretory function might also be subject to regulation in vivo during active sensitization. Mice were sensitized with one of three chemical allergens (trimellitic anhydride, TMA; 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, DNCB; or oxazolone) all of which induce contact sensitization and one of which (TMA) in addition causes immediate hypersensitivity. Peritoneal mast cells isolated from treated mice and sensitized passively with IgE released a greater proportion of cellular serotonin (5-HT) on stimulation either by anti-IgE or by specific antigen than did cells isolated from vehicle-treated controls. These results show that the function of mast cells is susceptible in vivo to regulatory influences that result from induction of an immune response.