# RELEASE & EFFECT OF MAST CELL/BASOPHIL MEDIATORS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 1987 · $138,413

## Abstract

This proposal has two major goals:  further understanding of mast cell
activation and elucidating the structure and function of mast cell
mediators with chemotactic activity.  The first major goal will be
addressed by developing populations of mast cells which reflect the
heterogeneity of this cell type.  Connective tissue mast cells will be
obtained from rat serosal cavities and mucosal-type mast cells will be
cultured from rat and mouse bone marrow utilizing IL-3 rich media to permit
analysis of mast cell function and mediators across and within species.
These mast cells populations will clarify whether differences noted in mast
cell function and mediators are due to species differences or to true mast
cell heterogeneity.  These mast cells will then be utilized in studies of
regulation of mediator release and, along with human lung mast cells, as a
source of mast cell derived chemotactic mediators.  Studies of mast cell
regulation will focus upon the role of ecto Ca/Mg ATPases and cell surface
adenosine receptors in modulation of stimulus-secretion coupling.  Specific
agonist and antagonist probes of ATPases and adenosine receptors will be
examined for their ability to affect mast cells as assessed by mediator
release, Ca++ homeostasis, Ca++ flux, phospholipid (esp. inositol
phosphates) metabolism, protein phosphylation and receptor expression in
short term (0-60 min) in vitro and in longer term (1-7d) studies in vivo
and in tissue culture.  Probes to be utilized include specific ATPase
inhibitors such as DIDS (4',4-diisothiocyano - 2', 2 - disulfonic acid
stilbene) which inhibits mediator release; ATP which causes mediator
release, (as well as various nucleotide analogues); adenosine and its
agonist analogues which enhance preformed mediator release; and
methylxanthines which inhibit adenosine binding and its action.  These
studies will aid in developing further insights into the precise sites of
action of these compounds and thereby into important elements of mast cell
activation.

Assessment of mast cell derived chemotactic factors will include their
physiochemical characterizations and identification of their target cell
specificity.  After purification the ability of chemotactic factors to
affect leukocyte production of inflammatory mediators will be determined
and their ability to induce leukocyte accumulation in vivo assessed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127089
- **Project number:** 5R01AI017268-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UYTTZT6G9DT1
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen I Wasserman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $138,413
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-07-01 → 1989-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127089

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127089, RELEASE & EFFECT OF MAST CELL/BASOPHIL MEDIATORS (5R01AI017268-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127089. Licensed CC0.

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