Prostaglandin E ₂ Prevents Hyperosmolar-Induced Human Mast Cell Activation through Prostanoid Receptors EP ₂ and EP ₄

Abstract

Background

Mast cells play a critical role in allergic and inflammatory diseases, including exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in asthma. The mechanism underlying EIB is probably related to increased airway fluid osmolarity that activates mast cells to the release inflammatory mediators. These mediators then act on bronchial smooth muscle to cause bronchoconstriction. In parallel, protective substances such as prostaglandin E ₂ (PGE ₂) are probably also released and could explain the refractory period observed in patients with EIB.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of PGE ₂ on osmotically activated mast cells, as a model of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Methods

We used LAD2, HMC-1, CD34-positive, and human lung mast cell lines. Cells underwent a mannitol challenge, and the effects of PGE ₂ and prostanoid receptor (EP) antagonists for EP _1–4 were assayed on the activated mast cells. Beta-hexosaminidase release, protein phosphorylation, and calcium mobilization were assessed.

Results

Mannitol both induced mast cell degranulation and activated phosphatidyl inositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, thereby causing de novo eicosanoid and cytokine synthesis. The addition of PGE ₂ significantly reduced mannitol-induced degranulation through EP ₂ and EP ₄ receptors, as measured by beta-hexosaminidase release, and consequently calcium influx. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 phosphorylation were diminished when compared with mannitol activation alone.

Conclusions

Our data show a protective role for the PGE ₂ receptors EP ₂ and EP ₄ following osmotic changes, through the reduction of human mast cell activity caused by calcium influx impairment and MAP kinase inhibition.