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Mast cells in proximity of adult and aged mesenteric lymphatic vessels
Author(s) -
Chatterjee Victor,
Gashev Anatoliy A
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.677.10
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , mesenteric lymph nodes , immunohistochemistry , stimulation , medicine , pathology , immunology , biology , immune system
Aging impairs mesenteric lymph flow, which is crucial for fluid and macromolecule homeostasis, fat absorption, and immunity. Differences in contractile behavior of aged isolated mesenteric lymphatic vessels (MLV) and those observed in situ suggest an important regulatory involvement of some cellular elements in the immediate surrounding environment of aged MLV. We used whole mount immunohistochemistry and vital staining to identify and characterize mast cells (MCs) surrounding MLV in adult and aged Fischer‐344 rats. Additionally, we investigated the aging‐associated differences in MCs activation in the mesenteric bed in control and treated conditions. We used mesenteric tissue segments for acute treatments with 48/80, and biological activators, and used Ruthenium Red staining to identify activated MCs. Degree of activation was assessed by the image analysis of activated cells in control and treated conditions. We found a greater degree of pre‐activation of MCs in control conditions in aged rats compared to adult animals. Such pre‐activated status of aged MCs reflects lesser ability of aged MCs and adjacent MLV to adequately react to acute stimulation in elderly. These findings serve as first step in investigations of the aging‐associated mechanisms that potentially link MCs function, inflammation, and functional contractile disturbances in aged MLV. NIH R01 AG030578 , HL094269.