Induction of E-selectin-dependent leukocyte recruitment by mast cell degranulation in human skin grafts transplanted on SCID mice.

Previous in vitro data indicate that degranulation of human mast cells triggers the induction of endothelial molecules important in leukocyte adhesion. In vivo experimental systems have not previously existed, however, to determine whether human mast cell degranulation is sufficient stimulus for leukocyte recruitment. To study this question, neonatal foreskins were transplanted onto immunodeficient mice. The grafts contained physiological numbers of human dermal mast cells that could be degranulated by a number of secretagogues that activate mast cells by different mechanisms. Degranulation was associated with an inflammatory response characterized by edema, up-regulation primarily of microvessel E-selectin, and influx of neutrophils. Leukocyte emigration associated with mast cell degranulation was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against human E-selectin. These data indicate that degranulation of human mast cells in the human/SCID mouse model provokes cellular inflammation in skin. The ability to significantly inhibit early leukocyte infiltration with an antibody against E-selectin in this model supports the hypothesis that this molecule plays an important role in mast-cell-induced inflammation.