Trichinella spiralis: Histamine secretion induced by TSL-1 antigens from unsensitized mast cells

Mast cells’ hyperplasia and activation are prominent features in Trichinella spiralis infection. Recently, it was shown that TSL-1 antigens from T. spiralis muscle larvae induce IL-4 and TNF release by unsensitized, normal mast cells (MC) involving an Ig-independent mechanism. In this study, we characterized histamine secretion induced by TSL-1 antigens from normal, unsensitized rat peritoneal MC. Maximum histamine secretion (30 ± 5.3% SEM, n = 13) was achieved with 30 ng/mL TSL-1 antigens. However, TSL-1 did not induce an increase in β-hexosaminidase release or NADPH oxidase activity by MC. Interestingly, histamine secretion by TSL-1 was completed at 10 s, and was inhibited by both Bordetella pertussis toxin and neuraminidase V, characteristics similar to those involved in substance P-induced histamine secretion. However, in contrast to substance P, TSL-1 induced histamine secretion in the absence of detectable changes in intracellular Ca2+. We are investigating the molecular pathways involved in MC activation by TSL-1.