Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (Jan 2008)

Progress in Allergy Signal Research on Mast Cells: The Role of Histamine in Goblet Cell Hyperplasia in Allergic Airway Inflammation –a Study Using the Hdc Knockout Mouse

  • Kohei Yamauchi,
  • Hong Mei Piao,
  • Toshihide Nakadate,
  • Toshiki Shikanai,
  • Yutaka Nakamura,
  • Miyuki Niisato,
  • Harumasa Ito,
  • Takashi Mouri,
  • Hitoshi Kobayashi,
  • Chihaya Maesawa,
  • Takashi Sawai,
  • Hiroshi Ohtsu,
  • Hiroshi Inoue

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 106, no. 3
pp. 354 – 360

Abstract

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Although histamine is a central mediator in the immediate allergic reaction, its role in goblet cell hyperplasia in the airway of asthma is not completely understood. This study was designed to examine the role of histamine in goblet cell hyperplasia using histamine-deficient mice (Hdc −/−mice) with allergic airway inflammation. Wild-type and Hdc −/−C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). After two-week exposure to OVA, goblet cell hyperplasia was evaluated. Cell differentials in BALF were analyzed. The mRNAs level of MUC5AC and Gob-5 gene were quantitatively determined. The number of eosinophils in BALF increased in both the wild-type mice and Hdc −/−mice; however, their ratio in Hdc −/−mice was significantly lower than that in the wild-type mice. The mRNA levels of Gob-5 and MUC5AC and the ratio of the goblet cells in the airway epithelium were significantly increased in Hdc −/−mice exposed to OVA compared to the wild-type mice under the same condition. These results suggested that histamine may play a regulatory role in goblet cell hyperplasia in allergic airway inflammation. Keywords:: airway remodeling, asthma, Gob-5, MUC5AC, allergy