Intraepithelial Infiltration by Mast Cells in HumanHelicobacter pyloriActive Gastritis

Abstract

Recent observations suggest an involvement of mast cells in Helicobacter pylori gastritis, but the mechanism of intraepithelial mast cell activation in H. pylori-infected patients remains to be clarified. Intraepithelial mast cells, identified by immunohistochemistry for CD117, were quantified in antral biopsies from 6 patients with H. pylori "active" chronic gastritis, 7 patients with H. pylori "nonactive" gastritis, and 9 controls. Antral biopsies from patients with H. pylori "active" gastritis showed higher intraepithelial mast cell counts than those from patients with H. pylori "nonactive" gastritis and from controls. Electron microscopy, selectively performed in 6 cases of H. pylori "active" gastritis, confirmed the presence of intraepithelial mast cells and allowed their subdivision into mature cells with intact electron-dense granules or degranulated cells. Other mast cells appeared to migrate through defects in the basement membrane into the epithelial layer. Mast cells in these areas often showed piecemeal degranulation or were characterized by large canaliculi, expanded Golgi areas, and a few granules, a process similar to the phase of recovery from anaphylactic degranulation of isolated human mast cells. The possible significance of these unusual ultrastructural findings is discussed.

Mast Cell Interaction with Neutrophils in Human Gastric Carcinomas: Ultrastructural Observations

“…Mast cells are granulated tissue-resident cells of hematopoietic lineage which may be found near epithelium or at the intraepithelial level as well as near the vessels in the connective tissue [9, 11, 12]. Mast cells are a prominent source of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines that can induce inflammation, vascular changes, and leukocyte infiltration [11, 12].…”

Diagnostic contribution of cytological specimens obtained from biopsies during gastrointestinal endoscopy in dogs and cats

“…, Caruso et al . ). Further studies focusing on this association are needed, as they could contribute to a better understanding of the pathologic role – if any – of gastric spiral organisms in chronic gastritis in dogs and cats.…”

Mast Cells, Basophils and Mucosal Immunity

“…Numbers of MC TC also correlated with PGD 2 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage, indicating that MC TC may produce more PGD 2 in severe asthma. Increased numbers of intraepithelial mast cells are also found in H. pylori gastritis (Caruso et al, 2011), eosinophilic esophagitis (Mulder et al, 2012), and parasitic infections (Friend et al, 1996). However, what regulates the numbers and functions of intraepithelial mast cells in mucosal diseases is not clear.…”