Effect of Nitric Oxide Reagents on intracellular calcium signaling in RBL-2H3 mucosal mast cells, /

Abstract

Evidence has shown that intracellular calcium must be elevated in order for secretion of the granular contents within mast cells to occur. Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) has the effect of dampening the secretory responses of mast cells while the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) amplifies the secretion. As elevation of intracellular calcium concentration is essential for secretion to occur, it is likely that NO inhibits secretion by activating calcium pumps leading to the removal of calcium from the cytosol. This research examines the role of nitric oxide in the regulation of antigen-activated RBL-2H3 mucosal mast cells and looks to determine which parts of the signal transduction pathway are involved in the activation and regulation of NO biosynthesis. Knowing that the NOproducing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is regulated by intracellular calcium, we will investigate whether a change in nitric oxide production affects intracellular calcium signals.