Effects of Mast-Cell Stabilization in Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Abstract

It seems likely that mast cell activity may play an important role in the initiation and progression of acute pancreatitis. Ketotifen treatment may reduce the severity of AP in rats. The protective action of ketotifen in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis is most probably owing to mast cell stabilization and stimulation of NO synthesis.

The Novel Cytokine Interleukin-33 Activates Acinar Cell Proinflammatory Pathways and Induces Acute Pancreatic Inflammation in Mice

“…Mast cell activation in various experimental models of acute pancreatitis is well established [26], [36], [37]. Yonetci et.…”

“…al. showed that the mast cell stabilizing agent ketotifen attenuates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats [37]. Zhao et.…”

Effect of Mast Cell Stabilizers in Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats

“…Sodium cromoglycate and ketotifen have been shown to stabilize mast cells and prevent the increment in density of mast cells. 15,34,35 Thus, it may be suggested that hyperhomocysteinemiainduced cardiac hypertrophy may be associated with increase in density of mast cells and their degranulation.…”

Authors' response

“…We respectfully disagree with the title of the letter by Dr Braganza since at this stage we believe that the role of mast cells, or haematin-activated mast cells, in pancreatitis remains poorly understood and possibly controversial, based on few published studies. For example, the mast cell stabilising compounds ketotifen5 and cromolyn6 had a protective effect in cerulein- and taurodeoxycholate-induced pancreatitis, respectively. In contrast, studies using mast-cell-deficient animals ( Ws/Ws rats that have a deletion in the c-kit gene) have not supported a key role for mast cells in experimental closed duodenal loop-induced acute pancreatitis 7.…”