The in Vitro Effect of Neurotensin on Human Jejunal Mast Cells

Abstract

Neurotensin was added to human jejunal mucosal biopsy specimens from six individuals. Fifty-seven per cent degranulation of mast cells was seen at a concentration of neurotensin of 10⁻⁹ M and 43% at 10⁻⁶ M, as compared with 31% with IgE antibody/antigen. There was no change in degranulation with neurotensin when IgE was added to biopsy specimens before neurotensin in a 10⁻⁶ M solution. This effect of neurotensin on human jejunal mast cells supports the evidence for receptors for neurotensin on mast cells shown in rat experiments.

Key-words:

• IgE
• intestinal mucosa
• jejunum
• mast cells
• neurotensin