ANAPHYLACTIC HISTAMINE-RELEASE FROM HUMAN GASTRIC AND DUODENAL MAST-CELLS

Mast cells from human gastric and duodenal walls were isolated using a collagenase dispersion technique. The reactivity of both mast cell po pulations with anti-human IgE antibodies and specific antigens was tes ted in an in vitro model of anaphylactic reaction. Mast cell populatio ns were sensitive to The action of anti-IgE, and histamine relase was 17.4-27.4% (duodenal) and 19.3-29.3% (gastric mast cells). No signific ant differences between both mast cell populations of the same individ uals were observed Gastric and duodenal mast cells obtained from patie nts with peptic ulcer and positive intradermal test with allergens (gr ass pollen, tomato cocoa) released histamine after challenge with adeq uate antigens. The reaction was dose-dependent. Gastric mast cells wer e more reactive than duodenal cells to challenge with antigen.