Nerve growth factor induces mast cell degranulation without changing intracellular calcium levels

Abstract

Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) in a dose-dependent manner, providing direct evidence for its action on non-neuronal tissues. Activation of RPMC by NGF depends on lysophosphatidylserine and extracellular calcium. NGF-mediated RPMC degranulation is not coupled to a transient increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca²⁺]). It is suggested that NGF has a unique mode of action independent of ([Ca²⁺])_i and presumably also without involving protein kinase C activation as indicated by the effects of phorbol esters and NGF on antigen-evoked [Ca²⁺]_i rise.