"This book is a very substantial contribution to our understanding of many aspects of these very interesting, important, and related cells - the mast cell and basophil. But for the fact that this field, like so many others, is changing so rapidly, this volume will be the standard against which others will be compared for several years to come. It is a 'must have' for any life science or medical library." --ALVIN TESLER in DOODY'S HEALTH SCIENCES BOOK REVIEW JOURNAL

• ContributorsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsSection One Development of Mast Cells and BasophilsChapter 1 Regulation of Mast Cell and Basophil Development by Stem Cell Factor and Interleukin-3IntroductionSCF, a Ligand for the c-kit ReceptorMultiple Effects of SCF in Mast Cell BiologySCF can Regulate Mast Cell Function In Vitro and In VivoInterleukin-3Using IL-3-/- Mice to Assess the Role of IL-3 in Mast Cell and Basophil DevelopmentSummaryAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 2 Gain-of-function Mutations of c-kit in Human DiseasesIntroductionLoss-of-function Mutation of c-kitStomach Lesions of W/Wv and SI/SId MiceGain-of-function Mutation of c-kit in Mast Cell NeoplasmsSporadic Gastrointestinal Stromal TurnoutsFamilial GISTConclusionReferencesChapter 3 Modulation of Mast Cell Development from Embryonic Haematopoietic Progenitors by EotaxinChemokines and Their Receptors Play Diverse Roles as Mediators of InflammationChemokines Participate in Multiple Mast Cell and Basophil FunctionsChemokine Secretion by Mast CellsEotaxinResultsDiscussionReferencesChapter 4 Regulation and Dysregulation of Mast Cell Survival and ApoptosisIntroductionRegulation of Mast Cell Survival and Apoptosis by Growth FactorsRegulation of Mast Cell Survival and Apoptosis by Death ReceptorsRegulation of Mast Cell Survival and Apoptosis by Perforin, Nitric Oxide and Bacterial ToxinsRegulation of Mast Cell Survival and Apoptosis by Irradiation and Chemical AgentsPerspective: Apoptosis and Mast Cell DiseaseReferencesSection Two Phenotypic and Ultrastructural Features of Mast Cells and BasophilsChapter 5 Ultrastructural Features of Human Basophil and Mast Cell Secretory FunctionIntroductionMechanism(s) of Histamine and CLC-P Secretion from Human Basophils, of Histamine Secretion from Human Mast Cells In Vitro and of TNF-α and Chymase Secretion from Rat Peritoneal CellsHistamine Secretion from Human Mast Cells In VivoHeparin Secretion from Human Mast Cells In VitroThe Vesiculovacuolar Organelle, a New Endothelial Permeability StructureAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 6 Human Dendritic Mast CellsIntroductionThe Morphology of Human Dendritic Mast CellsFunctional Aspects and Future Lines of ResearchConcluding RemarksReferencesChapter 7 The Phenotypic Similarities and Differences between Human Basophils and Mast CellsIntroductionMorphologyMembrane ReceptorsCytoplasmic ContentsMast Cell Phenotypes in TissuesThe Involvement of Mast Cells and Basophils in Asthma and Drug ReactionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 8 Interactions between Nerves and Mast Cells in AmphibiansIntroductionMorphology of Frog Mast CellsFrog Mast Cells and Peripheral Nervous SystemOccurrence of Mast Cells in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems of MammalsConcluding RemarksReferencesSection Three Signal Transduction in Mast Cells and BasophilsChapter 9 Sequential Protein Kinase Activation and the Regulation of Mast Cell Cytokine ProductionIntroductionSignaling Through Mast Cell Surface ReceptorsMAPK Family MembersTranscriptional Regulation of TNF-α ProductionStem Cell Factor Receptor (c-kit)Differentiation Signaling and Function of Mast Cells Derived from Bone Marrow and Embryonic Stem CellsIdentification of a Critical Role for MEKK2 in JNK Activation and Cytokine ProductionSummaryAcknowledgments ReferencesChapter 10 FcεRI-mediated Induction of TNF-α Gene Expression in Mast Cell LinesIntroductionChromosomal Location and Gene Structure of TNF-αRegulation of TNF-α Gene Expression in Non-mast Cell LinesFcεRI-dependent Regulation of TNF-α ProductionConcluding RemarksReferencesChapter 11 Regulation of Mast Cell Degranulation by SHIPIntroductionStructure and Binding Partners of SHIPBiological Properties of SHIPProperties of the SHIP Knockout MouseThe Role of SHIP in FcεRI-induced Degranulation of Mast CellsThe Role of SHIP in Steel Factor-induced Signaling in Mast CellsThe Role of SHIP in Thapsigargin-induced Signaling in Mast CellsA Model of IgE-induced DegranulationMajor Questions RemainingSummary and ConclusionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesSection Four Regulation of Mast Cell and Basophil Signaling and SecretionChapter 12 Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibition Motif-dependent Negative Regulation of Mast Cell Activation and ProliferationIntroductionSIRP-α can Negatively Regulate FcεRI-dependent Mast Cell ActivationFcγRIIB can Negatively Regulate c-kit-dependent Mast Call ProliferationConclusionAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 13 Perspectives on the Regulation of Secretion from Human Basophils and Mast CellsIntroductionRegulation of FcεRI ExpressionDesensitizationModification of Basophil Function by IL-3SummaryReferencesChapter 14 Interactions between Secretory IgA and Human BasophilsIntroduction Structure and Metabolism of sIgAPathophysiology of sIgAsIgA-mediated Basophil ActivationReceptors for sIgAClinical Relevance of sIgA-mediated Basophil ActivationConcluding RemarksAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 15 Regulation of Mast Cell Secretion by Interferon-γ and Nitric OxideIntroductionInterferon and Mast CellsDo Mast Cells Produce Interferon-γ?Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide SynthasesNitric Oxide Effects on Mast CellsDo Mast Cells Produce Nitric Oxide?How does Nitric Oxide Regulate Mast Cells?Nitric Oxide and Mast Cells In Vivo - Clinical ImplicationsConclusion: Mast Cells, Interferon-γ and Nitric Oxide in Cell Interactions and DiseaseAcknowledgmentsReferencesSection Five Structure and Function of Mast Cell ProteasesChapter 16 Human and Mouse Mast Cell TryptasesIntroductionIdentification and Cloning of Human Tryptase GenesIdentification and Cloning of Mouse Tryptase GenesBiochemical Features of Human and Mouse TryptasesExpression of Mouse and Human Tryptases in Cells and TissuesFunction of Human and Mouse TryptasesTryptase MetabolismConcluding RemarksReferencesChapter 17 Expression, Function and Regulation of Mast Cell Granule Chymases during Mucosal Allergic ResponsesIntroductionInvestigating the Response of mMCP-1-/- Mice to Gastrointestinal NematodesRegulation of the Expression of mMCP-1 in mBMMCDiscussionAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 18 Structure and Function of Human ChymaseIntroductionGeneral PropertiesX-ray Crystal Structure of rHCThe Extended Substrate-binding Site of Human ChymaseModeling of the Human Chymase-angiotensin I InteractionSummaryAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 19 Structure and Function of Human Mast Cell TryptaseIntroductionDistribution and Secretion in DiseaseStructure and Physicochemical PropertiesNon-human TryptasesRegulation of Tryptase ActivityPeptide SubstratesProtein SubstratesActions on Cells and TissuesCellular Receptors for TryptaseTryptase as a Therapeutic TargetAcknowledgmentsReferencesSection Six Nerve-Mast Cell Interactions: Physiology and PathologyChapter 20 Mast Cell-Nerve Interactions: Possible Significance of Nerve Growth FactorEvidence for Mast Cell-Nerve InteractionsPossible Role of NGFAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 21 Nerve Growth Factor, Mast Cells and Allergic InflammationNerve Growth Factor: Early Discovery and Emerging DataNGF and the Nervous SystemNGF and the Endocrine SystemNGF and the Immune SystemNGF and Mast CellsNGF and InflammationNGF and Allergic ResponsesBehavioral Influence on NGF Levels and Allergic ResponsesPossible Future DirectionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 22 Interactions between Neurotrophins and Mast CellsDefinition and Basic Aspects of NeurotrophinsMast Cells as a Source of Neurotrophic FactorsEffects of Neurotrophins on Mast CellsEvidence that NGF is also a Human Mast Cell Growth FactorNeurotrophin Receptors on Mast CellsClinical Findings Suggesting Mast Cell and Neurotrophin ActivityMast Cells and Neurotrophins: Open IssuesAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 23 Modulation of Peripheral Neurotransmission Associated with Mast Cell ActivationSensory (Afferent) Nervous SystemEnteric Nervous SystemSympathetic Nervous SystemParasympathetic Nervous SystemSummaryReferencesChapter 24 Regulation of Gastrointestinal Mucin Production by Nerve-Mast Cell InteractionsIntroductionNeuronal Mediation of Mucin SecretionEffects of Stress on Colonic Mucin and Prostaglandin ReleaseRole of Corticotropin-releasing Factor in Stress-induced Colonic Mucin SecretionNeurotensin is an Important Mediator of Colonic Stress ResponsesMast Cells as a Major Link of Stress-mediated Mucin SecretionCRF and NT as Mediators of Intestinal Mast Cell Activation During StressClinical ImplicationsReferences Section Seven Mast Cells and Basophils in Homeostasis and Host DefenseChapter 25 Mast Cell-Enterobacteria Interactions during InfectionIntroductionProtective Role of Mast Cells Against Bacterial InfectionMast Cell Phagocytosis of BacteriaMolecular Basis for Mast Cell-Enterobacteria RecognitionMast Cell Activation Via CD48Interactions of Human Mast Cells with EnterobacteriaFinal ThoughtsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 26 Human Mast Cells and Basophils in Immune Responses to Infectious AgentsIntroductionMast Cells in Host Defense Against Bacterial InfectionsMast Cells and Basophils in Helicobacterpylori InfectionLeukotrienes in the Defence against Bacterial and Viral InfectionsActivation of Human Basophils and Mast Cells by Protein AActivation of Human Basophils and Mast Cells by Protein LActivation of Human Basophils by Pepstatin AEndogenous Superallergen Protein Fv in Viral HepatitisActivation of Human Basophils and Mast Cells by HIV- 1 Glycoprotein gp120The 'Three Faces' of Mast Cells and Basophils in the Immune Response to Infectious AgentsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 27 Differential Regulation of Mast Cell Mediator Secretion by Bacterial ProductsIntroductionReceptors for Bacteria on Mast CellsSelective Mast Cell Responses to Specific Bacterial ProductsCombined Signals Alter and Enhance Mast Cell ResponsesBacteria- and Bacterial Product-mediated Signaling Events in Mast CellsConclusionsReferencesChapter 28 The Role of Mast Cells, Basophils and Interleukin-3 (IL-3) in Immune Responses to Parasites: Studies with Mast Cell- and IL-3-Deficient MiceStudies of Parasite Infection in Genetically Mast Cell-deficient MiceAssessing the Role of IL-3 in Host Responses to Nematodes using IL-3-/-MiceKitW/KitW-v, IL-3-/-Mice Exhibit a Profound Impairment of Basophilia, Mucosal Mast Cell Development and Immunity During Infection with Strongyloides venezuelensisSummaryAcknowledgmentsReferencesSection Eight Mast Cells in Atherosclerosis and Cardiac DiseasesChapter 29 Human Heart Mast Cells: Immunological Characterization In Situ and In VitroIntroductionIsolation of HHMC and Their Characterization In SituHistamine, Proteolytic Enzymes and Proteoglycans Synthesized by HHMCProstaglandins and Cysteinyl Leukotrienes Synthesized De Novo by HMMCImmunological and Non-immunological Stimuli that Activate HHMC In VitroMast Cells and Regulation of Coagulation and FibrinogenolysisHHMC in Systemic and Cardiac Anaphylaxis and in Anaphylactoid ReactionsHHMC and AtherosclerosisHHMC in Patients with Myocarditis and Hyper-eosinophiliaHHMC and Angiogenesis in the HeartHHMC and Myocardial IschaemiaHHMC in Idiopathic and Ischaemic CardiomyopathyPerspective and ConclusionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 30 Mast Cells in Atherosclerotic Human Coronary Arteries: Implications for Coronary Fatty Streak Formation, Plaque Ulceration and Control of Local Haemostatic BalanceIntroductionAtherosclerosis is a Disorder of Lipid Metabolism in the Arterial Intima with a Strong Inflammatory ComponentCirculating Mast Cell Progenitors also find Their way in to the Arterial IntimaImmunohistochemical Observations on Mast Cells in the Human CoronaryArterial IntimaPotential Mechanisms by Which Mast Cells may Play a Role in AtherogenesisConclusion and Future DirectionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 31 Role of Mast Cells in Endogenous Fibrinolysis and Related (Patho)physiological ProcessesIntroductionContribution of Mast Cells to Fibrinogen Extravasation and Fibrin FormationMast Cell-dependent Fibrinolysis: Role of Tryptase and ChymaseThe Mast Cell as Site of tPA ExpressionHuman Mast Cells Express the Urokinase Receptor (uPAR, CD87)Functional Significance of MC-tPA: Mast Cells are 'Pro-fibrinolytic' CellsMolecular Basis of Mast Cell Dependent Fibrinolysis: Role of Inhibitors (PAIs)Fibrin-independent Plasminogen ActivationClinical SignificanceMast Cells Accumulate at the Site of ThrombosisSCF Regulates Expression and Release of tPA in Mast CellsConcluding Remarks and Future DirectionsAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 32 Mast Cells in Myocardial Ischaemia and ReperfusionIntroductionMast Cells in Normal HeartsThe Mast Cell as a Source of CytokinesMast Cell Degranulation Following Myocardial IschaemiaMast Cells in Healing Myocardial InfarctsMast Cell Precursors Infiltrate the Healing HeartSCF Induction Following Myocardial Ischaemia/ReperfusionMacrophages are the Main Source of SCF Following Myocardial IschaemiaPotential Role of Mast Cells in HealingThe Mast Cell in Myocardial Ischaemia/Reperfusion: Friend or Foe?AcknowledgmentReferencesSection Nine Leukotrienes, Cytokines and Chemokines in Allergic DisordersChapter 33 Lipid Mediators from Mast Cells and Basophils in Allergic DiseasesIntroductionArachidonic Acid Pools in Human Mast Cells and BasophilsPhospholipase A 2 in Human Mast Cells and BasophilsExtracellular Effects of Mast Cell-derived Secretory PLA 2PAF and Related PhospholipidsConcluding RemarksAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 34 Regulation and Function of Human Intestinal Mast CellsIntroductionEffector Functions of Human Intestinal Mast CellsRegulation of Human Intestinal Mast Cell FunctionsClinical ImplicationsFuture DirectionsReferencesChapter 35 Differential Regulation of Basophil Functions by ChemokinesBasophil Phenotype and FunctionsChemokinesAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 36 Chemokine Receptors on Human Mast CellsChemokinesMast CellsChemokine Receptors on MCConcluding RemarksAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 37 Release and Cleavage of Stem Cell Factor by Human Mast CellsIntroductionStem Cell Factor Expression in Human Mast CellsStem Cell Factor-Protease InteractionsBiological Effects of SCF1-166 and SCF1-159 Oil HLMC and HSMCConclusionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesChapter 38 SCF-Induced Chemokine Production, Allergic Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyper-reactivityIntroductionSCF-Induced Mast Cell Activation, Inflammation and Airway Hyper-reactivityRegulation of SCF ProductionInitiation of Cytokine/Chemokine Production by SCF in Mast Cells and EosinophilsStructural Cell-derived SCF Contributes to Disease Progression: Differential Activation of Mast Cells by Soluble versus Membrane SCFSummaryReferencesSection Ten Clinical Implications of Histamine H1 Receptor AntagonistsChapter 39 Pharmacological Profile of Mizolastine, a Novel Histamine H1 Receptor AntagonistHistamine and Its Receptor SubtypesSpecificity and Selectivity of Mizolastine for H1 Histamine Receptor SubtypesAntihistaminergic Effects of MizolastineAllergic ReactionAnti-anaphylactic Properties of MizolastineImmune System-mediated Inflammatory Reaction in AllergyAnti-allergic Effects of MizolastineOther Pharmacological Effects of MizolastineConclusionAcknowledgmentReferencesChapter 40 Adenosine-Induced Enhancement of Mast Cell Mediator Release in Asthma and COPDIntroductionThe Bronchoconstrictor Effect of Adenosine in AsthmaThe Airway Response to Adenosine in COPDAdenosine Receptors on Mast CellsConcluding CommentsReferencesChapter 41 Neural Activation and Inflammation in Allergic RhinitisIntroductionNeurogenic InflammationNeural Hyper-responsivenessNerve Growth FactorSummary and ConclusionReferencesChapter 42 Antihistaminic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of MizolastineIntroductionPharmacokinetics of MizolastineClinical Efficacy of MizolastineAnti-inflammatory effects of MizolastineConcluding RemarksReferencesChapter 43 Electrophysiological and Molecular Basis for the Adverse Cardiovascular Effects of Histamine H, Receptor AntagonistsIntroductionCardiotoxicity of Second-generation AntihistaminesConclusionsAcknowledgmentsReferencesIndex