Animal models of anaphylaxis.
OBJECTIVE
In this review we will focus on recent advances in the role of mast cells in the pathophysiology of insect allergy and the possible mechanisms of mast cell activation in anaphylaxis.


RESULTS
Anaphylactic reactions in the mouse can be induced by several independent pathways involving immunoglobulin E, immunoglobulin free light chains, or immunoglobulin G. There is considerable evidence that mast cells play a central role in anaphylactic reactions to insect stings. Mast cells can be directly activated by components of insect venom or after allergic sensitization. Of interest is the observation that mast cells are not only effector cells in insect allergy, but may also play a protective role in preventing the development of severe anaphylactic responses or by controlling inflammatory reactions by modulation of antigen-specific T-cell responses.


CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of mast cells in anaphylactic responses to insect venom may be heterogeneous. On the one hand, activation of mast cells contributes to the pathology by the release of bioactive and tissue-damaging mediators. However, mast cell activation may neutralize constituents in insect venom and defend against the adverse effects of these toxins or they may modulate inflammation through downregulation of antigen-specific immune responses.
Nauta
Alma
A
Numico Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Knippels
Leon
L
Garssen
Johan
J
Redegeld
Frank
F
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001180:Arthropod Venoms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000276:immunology; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats
D001180:Arthropod Venoms; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains