# NON-IMMUNOLOGIC CONTACT URTICARIA AND MAST CELLS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 1989 · $104,331

## Abstract

The objective of this proposal is to examine the involvement of
mast cells in non-immunologic contact urticaria (NICU).  NICU
results from industrial and occupational exposures, and in
response to preservatives, flavorings, fragrances and other
additives in consumer products.  The pathophysiologic mechanism
of NICU is not known.  In this project we will use a combination
of biochemical, morphologic, physiologic and pharmacologic
techniques to examine the role of mast cells in modulating the
response to a number of agents which have been associated with
NICU.  Using established continuous pure mast cell lines derived
from canine mastocytomas we will examine the ability of agents
associated with NICU to cause release of preformed and newly-
generated mediators.  Products will be analyzed by fluorometric
and radioimmunoassays, high-pressure liquid chromatography,
ultraviolet absorption spectra, and gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry.  Biochemical data from isolated cells will be
compared with morphometric and biochemical studies of mast cell
function in dog skin in vivo.  We will examine the interaction
between NICU agents and physical, chemical and inflammatory
stimuli which may be present in vivo, and will examine the role of
different types of mast cells and inflammatory cells in the skin in
mediating these responses.  Pharmacologic inhibitors and
antagonists will be used to try to modulate these responses in both
isolated mast cells and in skin.  Studies with isolated pure mast
cells in vitro provide a model system for examining the role of
mast cells in the responses to NICU agents; in vivo studies in skin
permit an assessment of the interaction between mast cells and
other cell types.  Hopefully, these studies may help to provide
direction for the development of an effective treatment program
for NICU in humans, based on prevention of mast cell
degranulation and/or prevention of mast cell-induced
inflammation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3158981
- **Project number:** 5R01AR038928-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KMH5K9V7S518
- **Principal Investigator:** STEPHEN C LAZARUS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $104,331
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-08-01 → 1990-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3158981

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3158981, NON-IMMUNOLOGIC CONTACT URTICARIA AND MAST CELLS (5R01AR038928-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3158981. Licensed CC0.

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