Mast cell activation and degranulation occur early during induction of periosteal bone resorption

We have previously postulated that mast cells participate in the cellular network involved in osteoclastic resorption, probably through histamine release. In this study, we examined mast cell activation and histamine release during origination of resorption. Groups of 10 rats were killed 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 h after induction of resorption in a synchronized model of cortical resorption along the mandible. The total number of mast cells was transiently decreased by about one-third at 1 and 9 h. Mast cell activation was monitored by Alcian blue–safranin staining. Early after induction, mast cells started to release their mediator stores; complete release led to the apparent disappearance of the cells with the staining technique used. Histamine immunostaining confirmed the release of histamine and its diffusion in the extracellular environment. Massive degranulation was observed at 1.5 and 9 h with toluidine blue staining. Cell recovery, assessed in terms of histidine decarboxylase expression, occurred gradually. The number of ED1+ osteoclast precursors strongly increased from 12 h up to 18 h. Most parameters had returned to baseline at 18 h, except the ED1+ cells. H2 receptor inhibition with famotidine strongly decreased ED1+ osteoclast precursors at 12 h and subsequently osteoclasts at the peak of resorption. These data support a role of mast cells in resorption origination. They show an early and transient intervention of mast cells in the events regulating the recruitment of circulating osteoclast precursors and ultimately of resorption. Mast cell activation and degranulation induce the release of mediators, particularly histamine acting through its H2 receptors, which are likely involved in these reactions.