Rapid mast cell activation causes polymorphonuclear leukocyte dependent and independent permeability alterations in postcapillary venules. Kubes, Paul, and Jeffrey P. Gaboury. Immunology Research Group, University of Calgary Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1
APStracts 3:0242H, 1996.
The major objective of this study was to systematically elucidate the mechanisms underlying microvascular permeability in rat mesenteric venules following the activation of perivascular mast cells. Intravital microscopy was used to assess polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration and microvascular permeability alterations in single 25-40 [mu]m diameter venules. Ruthenium red was used to detect mast cell activation online. Exposure of mast cells to compound 48/80 (CMP 48/80) caused a rapid mast cell activation and increase in microvascular permeability (within 15 min) which was maintained for the duration of the experiment. Compound 48/80 also increased PMN adhesion to the microvascular endothelium. Anti-PMN serum, as well as various anti-adhesion therapies, including CL26 (anti-CD18 antibody) and fucoidin (selectin-immunoneutralizing carbohydrate) revealed that the early microvascular permeability was PMN-independent. However, these regimens significantly reduced plasma protein leakage out of venules between 30 and 60 min. Methysergide (serotonin receptor antagonist), but not diphenhydramine (histamine receptor antagonist), entirely inhibited the early PMN-independent microvascular permeability. Finally, a PAF-receptor antagonist did not affect the early phase of microvascular permeability, but reversed the later phase consistent with PAF's role as a pro-adhesive molecule for PMNs during mast cell activation. These data demonstrate that within the first hour of mast cell activation, a biphasic PMN-independent and dependent response in microvascular permeability is observed. The data also raise the possibility that histamine's physiological role in this model may be unrelated to alterations in microvascular permeability.

Received 30 November 1995; accepted in final form 3 June 1996.
APS Manuscript Number H1114-5.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Heart Circ. Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 17 June 96