Comparison of RBL-2H3 and P815 Cell Lines for Establishing in vitro Model of Mast Cell Degranulation

Abstract Aim To investigated the difference between C48/80-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 and that in P815 cells, and to find an early, stable and sensitive in vitro mast cell degranulation model. All findings might provide reference for establishing in vitro models to screen allergens and testing anti-allergic agents. Methods Cells were treated with 10 μg·mL −1 C48/80 for fifteen to sixty minutes. Cell degranulation was evaluated by detecting the release of histamine, β-hexosaminidase and tryptase by colorimetric assays, observing the morphological changes by neutral red staining, and detecting the ratio of Annexin V positive cell by flow cytometry. Results After treatment with C48/80, the histamine release in RBL-2H3 and P815 cells was significantly increased ( P Conclusion Compared with the RBL-2H3 cells, cell degranulation of P815 cells occurred faster and more severe than that of RBL-2H3 under the s ame stimulating conditions. These data sustain our contention that P815 cells might be utilized as a potential early, fast and sensitive in vitro model for screening suspicious allergens and searching for anti-allergic agents.