%0 PDF %T The Release of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Il-6 and Il-8 from HMC-1 Human Mast Cells. %A Boudreau, Carolyn M. %D 2014-09-09-04:00 %8 2014-04-24 %I Tufts Archival Research Center %R http://localhost/files/b85160309 %X Abstract: Mast cells are critical in inflammatory processes through their release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. The aim of this study was to characterize the release of these cytokines from HMC-1 human mast cells. Positive control stimulation of both of these mediators was established through the use of the calcium ionophore A23187 and PMA. It was shown that the neuropeptides neurotensin and substance P, for which mast cells have functional receptors, do not induce the release of these cytokines. The mechanism of release of these cytokines was subject to investigation, namely, whether these cytokines are pre-formed and stored in granules until their release, similarly to histamine, or whether they are synthesized de novo upon stimulation. This mechanism is currently unknown, but evidence from these experiments suggests that they are synthesized de novo, because peak cytokine release was observed more than 3 hours after stimulation. Further studies into intracellular cytokine mRNA levels and intracellular cytokine levels were attempted, and would be continued in the future. These studies would allow a more complete understanding of the release process and potentially offer support to the current theory that cytokines are synthesized de novo. The eventual implications of this research are far-reaching, as mast cells and these cytokines have been linked to various disorders including chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and tumorogenesis. %G eng %[ 2022-10-07 %~ Tufts Digital Library %W Institution