Mechanisms of mouse mast cell activation and inactivation for IgE-mediated histamine release.

The IgE-mediated histamine release from mouse mast cells requires Ca++, is optimal at 37 degrees C, and is enhanced by phosphatidylserine. The rate of release is relatively slow. The mast cells can be activated to release histamine by either anti-IgE or anti-Fab antibodies and, in the case of cells from sensitized mice, by the immunizing antigen. The incubation of mast cells with antigen in the absence of Ca++ or phosphatidylserine fails to release histamine. Such cells are desensitized to the further addition under optimal conditions of the same antigen. Desensitization is antigen specific, requires optimal levels of antigen, and occurs at both 30 degrees and 37 degrees C. In contrast, anti-IgE desensitizes all IgE-mediated histamine release reactions.