Presence of Increased Mast Cells in Infants and Children with Volume and Variety Limited Intake

Background: Reports indicate patients with feeding difficulties demonstrate signs of inflammation on biopsies, notably eosinophilia, but it is unknown whether mast cell density contributes to variety or volume limitation symptoms. The aim of our study was to evaluate eosinophil and mast cell density of EGD biopsies in pediatric patients with symptoms of decreased volume or variety of ingested foods. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of EMRs for all new feeding clinic patients between 0 and 17 years of age. Patients were categorized by symptoms at the initial visit as well as eosinophil and mast cell densities in those with EGD biopsies. Ten patients were identified as controls. Results: We identified 30 patients each with volume and variety limitation. Antral mast cell density was increased in 32.1% of variety-limited patients, 37.5% of volume limited patients, and in no controls; Duodenal mast cell density was increased in 32.1% of variety-limited patients, 40.6% of volume-limited patients, and in no controls. Conclusions: In both variety- and volume-limited patients, antral and duodenal mast cell densities were increased. These associations warrant further investigation of the mechanism between mast cells and development of feeding difficulties, allowing more targeted pediatric therapies.

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Lung mast cell density and distribution in chronically hypoxic animals

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.1977.42.2.174 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 174-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

A. Tucker ◽

I. F. McMurtry ◽

A. F. Alexander ◽

J. T. Reeves ◽

R. F. Grover

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Cell Density ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Cell Hyperplasia ◽

Mast Cell Density ◽

Lung Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cell Hyperplasia

Changes in the density and distribution of pulmonary mast cells were determined in six mammalian species exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (PB = 435 Torr) for 19–48 days. Control animals were studied at 1,600 m (PB = 635 Torr). Total lung mast cell hyperplasia was observed only in calves exposed to high altitude. Pigs, rats, and sheep exhibited small, but insignificant, increases in mast cell density. Perivascular mast cell proliferation adjacent to vessels of 30–500 mum in diameter was seen in both calves and pigs. Bronchial, alveolar septal, and systemic tissue (tongue) mast cell hyperplasia was not observed in any of the species. Three indices of pulmonary hypertension (right ventricular hypertrophy, medial thickness of pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary arterial pressure) correlated with perivascular mast cell density. The findings indicate that perivascular mast cell proliferation may relate more to the morphological pulmonary vascular changes and to pulmonary hypertension than to hypoxia, leading to the speculation that mast cells increase in number in response to the hypertension, rather than to mediate and maintain the hypertension.

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Effects of nonselective endothelin-1 receptor antagonism on cardiac mast cell-mediated ventricular remodeling in rats

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00622.2007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 294 (3) ◽

pp. H1251-H1257 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

David B. Murray ◽

Jason D. Gardner ◽

Gregory L. Brower ◽

Joseph S. Janicki

Keyword(s):

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Cell Density ◽

Volume Fraction ◽

Volume Overload ◽

Receptor Antagonism ◽

Collagen Volume Fraction ◽

Endothelin 1 ◽

Mast Cell Density ◽

Chronic Volume Overload

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect a nonselective endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor antagonist (bosentan) had on the acute myocardial remodeling process including left ventricular (LV) mast cells and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity secondary to volume overload. Additionally, we investigated the overall functional outcome of preventative endothelin receptor antagonism during 14 days of chronic volume overload. LV tissue from sham-operated (Sham), untreated-fistula (Fist), and bosentan (100 mg·kg−1·day−1)-treated animals (Fist + Bos) was analyzed for mast cell density, MMP activity, and myocardial collagen volume fraction at 1 and 5 days after the creation of an aortocaval fistula. When compared with untreated fistulas, bosentan treatment prevented the marked increase in LV mast cell density at 1 day postfistula (3.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 LV mast cells/mm2, Fist vs. Fist + Bos, P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, the substantial increase in MMP-2 activation in the untreated fistula at 1 day was prevented following bosentan treatment (1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 arbitrary activity units, Fist vs. Fist + Bos, P ≤ 0.01). The marked decrease in collagen volume fraction seen in the Fist group (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1% myocardial tissue, Sham vs. Fist, P ≤ 0.01) was significantly attenuated following bosentan treatment at both the 1- and 5-day time points. Lastly, a 2-wk preventative treatment with bosentan resulted in significant attenuation of the increase in LV end-systolic and -diastolic volumes compared with those in untreated fistula hearts. In summary, nonselective ET-1 antagonism prevents the acute increases in cardiac mast cell density and MMP activation induced secondary to chronic volume overload. By preventing these events, ET-1 antagonism was efficacious in attenuating ventricular dilatation and limiting the development of structural and functional deficits in the first 2 wk of chronic volume overload. Accordingly, these results are the first to demonstrate that cardiac mast cells are responsive to the endogenous endothelin system in vivo. Another novel finding from this study is that chronic nonspecific endothelin antagonism may inadvertently potentiate ET-1-mediated signaling.

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Mast Cell Density and Lymph Node Metastasis in Gastric Carcinoma: Inferring the Role of Mast Cells in the Metastatic Cascade

Indian Journal of Pathology Research and Practice ◽

10.21088/ijprp.2278.148x.71118.4 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 1129-1133

Author(s):

Anand C.D.

Keyword(s):

Mast Cell ◽

Lymph Node ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Lymph Node Metastasis ◽

Gastric Carcinoma ◽

Cell Density ◽

Metastatic Cascade ◽

Node Metastasis ◽

Mast Cell Density

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The role of tumour infiltrating mast cells (TIM) in gastric carcinoma remains an enigma : Clinicopathological correlation of mast cell density

Tropical Journal of Pathology and Microbiology ◽

10.17511/jopm.2019.i04.05 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 210-216

Author(s):

Dr. C.D. Anand ◽

◽

Dr. Shivashekar G. ◽

Dr. Muthu Sudalaimuthu ◽

Dr. Amitkumar Kalaivani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Gastric Carcinoma ◽

Cell Density ◽

Clinicopathological Correlation ◽

Mast Cell Density

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Immunohistochemical Expression of Mast Cells Using c-Kit in Various Grades of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

ISRN Pathology ◽

10.1155/2013/543976 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Musarrat J. Khatri ◽

Rajiv S. Desai ◽

G. S. Mamatha ◽

Meena Kulkarni ◽

Jay Khatri

Keyword(s):

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Connective Tissue ◽

Cell Density ◽

Toluidine Blue ◽

Oral Submucous Fibrosis ◽

Blue Staining ◽

Mast Cell Density ◽

Submucous Fibrosis ◽

Pharmacologically Active

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high risk precancerous condition characterized by changes in the connective tissue fibers of lamina propria and deeper parts of mucosa. Mast cells are local residents of connective tissue and have been identified to participate in fibrotic process. These cells produce pharmacologically active substances necessary for the physiological function of our body in response to various stimuli as and when required and also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases. Ten healthy volunteers and 30 clinically diagnosed OSF cases with histopathological confirmation were included in the study. Immunohistochemical (c-kit) as well as acidified toluidine blue staining techniques were used to evaluate density and expression of mast cells. The mast cell density assessed using c-kit and toluidine blue showed significant difference in various stages of OSF. In general the mean number of mast cells obtained using c-kit was found to be more than that obtained using toluidine blue in various stages of OSF. The comparison of mast cell densities using immunohistochemistry (c-kit) and toluidine blue stain confirmed that c-kit is a more reliable technique to assess mast cell density in OSF.

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High Mast Cell Density Predicts a Favorable Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrinology ◽

10.1159/000521651 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shengwei Mo ◽

Liju Zong ◽

Xianlong Chen ◽

Xiaoyan Chang ◽

Zhaohui Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Cell Density ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Clinicopathological Parameters ◽

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms ◽

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms ◽

Entire Cohort ◽

Mast Cell Density

Introduction: Mast cells are involved in allergic diseases, immune regulation, and tumor microenvironment modulation, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions, and could serve as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, their potential role in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) is largely unknown. Here, our aim was to investigate the presence of mast cells in PanNENs and evaluate their association with clinicopathological parameters and other common tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Methods: Tissue microarrays containing PanNEN samples from 187 patients were constructed and stained immunohistochemically for CD117, CD15, CD68, CD3, CD4, and CD8. Immune cells were counted from four high-power fields (HPFs; 400×) at maximal concentrations, and the mean counts were calculated per HPF. The cut-off values were set by X-tile. Results: The median (interquartile range) counts of CD117+ mast cells, CD15+ neutrophils, CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells were 3.5 (2.0–6.0), 3.0 (1.3–6), 3.8 (2.5–5.8), 13 (8.0–24.0), 2.0 (1.0–4.0)/HPF, respectively. CD8+ T cells were not detected. The cut-off values for these immune cells were 1.5/HPF, 6/HPF, 4.8/HPF, 32.5/HPF, and 2/HPF, respectively. Low mast cell density was correlated with higher grades, non-insulinoma, and advanced stages. Moreover, high mast cell infiltration was associated with elevated CD4+ T cell and CD15+ neutrophil counts. Multivariate analysis revealed that high mast cell density was an independent predictor of prolonged progression-free survival in the entire cohort, in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and in intermediate-grade, non-insulinoma, and advanced stage subgroups. Conclusions: These findings suggest a protective role of mast cells in PanNENs.

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Relationship between headache and mucosal mast cells in pediatric Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102412472070 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 323-329 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jung Sook Yeom ◽

Myung Bum Choi ◽

Ji-Hyun Seo ◽

Ji Sook Park ◽

Jae-Young Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Mast Cell ◽

Cell Density ◽

Functional Dyspepsia ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Gastroduodenal Mucosa ◽

Mast Cell Density ◽

Dyspeptic Symptoms ◽

H Pylori

Background Although many patients with functional dyspepsia experience headache concurrently with dyspeptic symptoms, studies suggesting mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are limited. Herein, we explore the relationship between gastrointestinal inflammatory cells and presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms in children with Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. Methods Fifty-six patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia underwent upper endoscopy with biopsy to investigate recurrent epigastric pain or discomfort. Patients were divided into two groups according to self-reported presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms. Inflammatory cells including mast cells, and enteroendocrine cells in the gastroduodenal mucosa were evaluated. Associations between headache presence and cellular changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa were examined. Results Headache was not associated with the grade of lymphocytes, neutrophil infiltration, or enteroendocrine cell density in the gastroduedenal mucosa. However, headache was significantly associated with high mast cell density in the body (27.81 ± 8.71 vs. 20.30 ± 8.16, p < 0.01) and duodenum (23.16 ± 10.40 vs. 14.84 ± 5.88, p < 0.01). Conclusions Presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms is strongly related to mucosal mast cell density in pediatric patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. Thus, our results may help clinicians understand and treat headache during dyspeptic symptoms in such pediatric patients.

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Overexpression of HIF-1α and Morphological Alterations in the Tongue of Rats Exposed To Secondhand Smoke

Brazilian Dental Journal ◽

10.1590/0103-6440202002898 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 281-289

Author(s):

Eleonora de Paula Amaral ◽

Rodrigo César Rosa ◽

Renata Margarida Etchebehere ◽

Ruchele Dias Nogueira ◽

José Batista Volpon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Cell Density ◽

Tobacco Smoke ◽

Secondhand Smoke ◽

Smoke Inhalation ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Mast Cell Density

Abstract Smoking is a risk factor for serious health problems and is associated with several changes in the tissues of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the collagen percentage, mast cells density, intensity of immunolabeled cells by anti-HIF-1α in the musculature lingual of rats exposed to secondhand smoke. Twenty-seven female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: rats not exposed to tobacco smoke inhalation (Control group) (n=7); rats exposed to smoke inhalation for 30 days (TAB 30) (n=10); and rats exposed to smoke inhalation for 45 days (TAB 45) (n=10). Subsequently, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and removal of the tongue for histological and immunohistochemistry processing and analysis. In the groups TAB 30 and TAB 45 there were a lower percentage of collagen, a higher density of mast cells and a greater intensity of anti-HIF-1α immunolabeled cells compared to Control group. There was also a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of collagen and mast cell density. There was not significative difference between TAB 30 e TAB 45 in any of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, the exposure of rats to secondhand smoke for 45 days causes decrease in perimysial collagen fibers, increase in the number of mast cells and increase in the immunolabeling for HIF-1α in lingual muscle cells. The present study was the first to evaluate the percentage of collagen, mast cell density and immunostaining for HIF-1α in rat tongues exposed to tobacco smoke.

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Mast Cells, Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Human Gastric Cancer

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20092106 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (9) ◽

pp. 2106 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Giuseppe Sammarco ◽

Gilda Varricchi ◽

Valentina Ferraro ◽

Michele Ammendola ◽

Michele De Fazio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Cell Density ◽

Suppressor Cells ◽

Treg Cells ◽

Immune Checkpoints ◽

Human Gastric Cancer ◽

Mast Cell Density

Gastric cancer is diagnosed in nearly one million new patients each year and it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although gastric cancer represents a heterogeneous group of diseases, chronic inflammation has been shown to play a role in tumorigenesis. Cancer development is a multistep process characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations during tumour initiation and progression. The stromal microenvironment is important in maintaining normal tissue homeostasis or promoting tumour development. A plethora of immune cells (i.e., lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, monocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, Treg cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells) are components of gastric cancer microenvironment. Mast cell density is increased in gastric cancer and there is a correlation with angiogenesis, the number of metastatic lymph nodes and the survival of these patients. Mast cells exert a protumorigenic role in gastric cancer through the release of angiogenic (VEGF-A, CXCL8, MMP-9) and lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C and VEGF-F). Gastric mast cells express the programmed death ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) which are relevant as immune checkpoints in cancer. Several clinical undergoing trials targeting immune checkpoints could be an innovative therapeutic strategy in gastric cancer. Elucidation of the role of subsets of mast cells in different human gastric cancers will demand studies of increasing complexity beyond those assessing merely mast cell density and microlocalization.

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