Analysis of stem cell factor for mast cell proliferation in the human myometrium

Abstract

The proliferation and differentiation of human mast cells (MCs) occur under the influence of the mitogenic agent known as stem cell factor (SCF). This study analyses the distribution of SCF and SCF receptor in human myometrial tissue to further the understanding of the role(s) of MCs in the uterus. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the majority of uterine MCs are located in close proximity to myometrial smooth muscle cells, and also among fibroblast-like spindle shaped cells. RNA extracts from myometrial tissues were subjected to reverse transcription. The resulting cDNA population was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a pair of 20-mer primers that were specific for SCF cDNA. Electrophoresis of the PCR products showed that the myometrial tissues contained transcripts for SCF. In-situ reverse transcription-PCR also revealed the expression of the transcripts for SCF in myometrial smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays confirmed that the cultured myometrial cells produced SCF. Since immunohistochemical staining indicated there are SCF receptors on the surface of myometrial MCs, the results suggest that MC proliferation and differentiation in the myometrium is regulated by SCF secretion from the uterine smooth muscle cells. The mature MCs might, in turn, secrete mediators that influence tissue remodelling during the human menstrual cycle.

Mast cell chymase is a possible mediator of neurogenic bladder fibrosis

“…It has been previously shown that both ¢broblasts and smooth muscle cells, and/or products of these cell types, can also exert an e¡ect on mast cells, regulating their phenotype [Levi-Scha¡er and Rubinchik, 1994;LeviScha¡er and Weg, 1997;Mori et al, 1997;Welle, 1997]. Mast cell recruitment has been shown in response to transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) and stem cell factor, cytokines which can be synthesized and secreted by both of these cell types.…”

Abnormal Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Otitis Media

“…Mucosal mast cells are rich in proteases, which contribute to innate immunity through releasing granules [15]. The origin of mucosal mast cells is from hematopoietic stem cells, and the proliferation of the latter is dependent on T cell cytokines [16] and stem cell factor [17] in the middle ear mucosa.…”

Characterization of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in uterine leiomyoma cells

“…Other studies note the wide distribution of mast cells in the uterus (29,30), and some authors have proved that stem cell factor and its receptor c-Kit have been use to study the modulation of tumor angiogenesis in breast cancer cells and prognosis in leiomyosarcomas. Also, that can be used as possible targets for anticancer drug therapies (31,32).…”