title: The role of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid in the triggering of rat mast cells by polycationic molecules.
abstract: Three substances known to act on N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), were tested for their activity on rat peritoneal mast cells. Both neuraminidase, which splits off NANA, and the lectin from Cepaea nemoralis directed against NANA are histamine releasers. Periodate itself did not trigger the cells but inhibited the releasing action of other substances. The results provide further evidence for the role of NANA in the triggering of mast cells. A cytotoxic substance, benzyl-polyethylene imine, triggers mast cells without affecting NANA. In addition, the role of histamine-BSA conjugates as histamine releasers is described.
mesh_terms: D000373:Agglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D011479:Protamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000502:physiology*; D012908:Snails
chemical_list: D000373:Agglutinins; D002412:Cations; D011479:Protamines; D012794:Sialic Acids