RESUMO
Mast cells can play detrimental roles in the pathophysiology and mortality observed in anaphylaxis and other Th2-dominated allergic diseases. In contrast, these cells contribute to protective host defense mechanisms against parasitic worm infections. After IgE/Ag activation, mast cells can produce multiple cytokines that may enhance allergic inflammations, while a similar panel of Th2-related cytokines may support immunological strategies against parasites. Here we report that in primary mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells activated by ionomycin or IgE/Ag, the proinflammatory mediator IL-1 (alpha or beta) up-regulated production of IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-9 as well as TNF, i.e., cytokines implicated in many inflammatory processes including those associated with allergies and helminthic infections. IL-1 did not induce significant cytokine release in the absence of ionomycin or IgE/Ag, suggesting that Ca-dependent signaling was required. IL-1-mediated enhancement of cytokine expression was confirmed at the mRNA level by Northern blot and/or RT-PCR analysis. Our study reveals a role for IL-1 in the up-regulation of multiple mast cell-derived cytokines. Moreover, we identify mast cells as a novel source of IL-9. These results are of particular importance in the light of recent reports that strongly support a central role of IL-9 in allergic lung inflammation and in host defense against worm infections.
Assuntos
Citocinas/biossíntese , Interleucina-1/fisiologia , Interleucina-9/biossíntese , Mastócitos/imunologia , Mastócitos/metabolismo , Células Th2/metabolismo , Regulação para Cima/imunologia , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/fisiologia , Animais , Comunicação Autócrina/efeitos dos fármacos , Comunicação Autócrina/imunologia , Células da Medula Óssea/citologia , Células da Medula Óssea/imunologia , Diferenciação Celular/imunologia , Dinitrofenóis/imunologia , Relação Dose-Resposta Imunológica , Feminino , Imunoglobulina E/fisiologia , Imunofenotipagem , Interleucina-4/fisiologia , Interleucina-9/genética , Ionomicina/farmacologia , Cinética , Masculino , Mastócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , RNA Mensageiro/biossíntese , Soroalbumina Bovina/imunologia , Células Th2/imunologia , Regulação para Cima/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Supravital staining of red blood cells with brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) is used to detect hemoglobin H (Hb H). This simple test is useful in the diagnosis of alpha thalassemia trait; however, the search for Hb H containing cells in often very tedious. A technique is described that enriches BCB preparations for Hb H containing cells about ten times over conventional methods. In a study of 20 patients, the new method detected alpha thalassemia in about twice as many patients as the old method.
