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Interplay between mast cells and hormones: Part 5 of 8

Hormone Location released Major functions Interaction with mast cells Reference
Inhibin Testes, ovaries, placenta, pituitary Inhibits production of FSH No known interaction with mast cells
Insulin Pancreas Promotes transfer of glucose from blood to liver and muscle

Promotes production of glycogen in liver

Promotes liberation of glucose stores in liver

Increases growth and survival of mast cells

Increases degranulation and mediator release

Lessmann E, et al. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 promote mast cell survival via activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway. Experimental Hematology 2006: 34(11), 1532-1541.
Insulin like growth factor Liver Modulates cell growth and development

Behaves like insulin

Increases growth and survival of mast cells

Increases degranulation and mediator release

Lessmann E, et al. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 promote mast cell survival via activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway. Experimental Hematology 2006: 34(11), 1532-1541.
Leptin Adipose tissue Decrease of appetite Activates inflammatory cells and T cell responses

Increases production of TNF, IL-2 and IL-6

Decreases mediator production due to activation of IgE receptor

Suppresses secretion of ghrelin

Taildeman J, et al. Human mast cells express leptin and leptin receptors. Histochem Cell Biol 2009: 131(6), 703-711.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) Pituitary Stimulates ovulation and formation of corpus luteum

Stimulates testosterone production

Histamine decreases LH release by acting at H1 receptor.

Histamine increases release of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), also by acting at H1 receptor.

Miayke A, et al. Involvement of H1 histamine receptor in basal and estrogen-stimulated luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone secretion in rats in vitro. Neuroendocrinology 1987: 45(3), 191-196.

Pontiroli AE, et al. The effect of histamine and H1 and H2 receptors on prolactin and luteinizing hormone release in humans: sex differences and the role of stress. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1981: 52(5), 924-928.

Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) Pituitary Stimulates melanin production and release

Increases during pregnancy

MSH can induce apoptosis in mast cells

Dose dependent increase in histamine relief, but not in IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TGFb or TNF

Sarkar A, et al. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone induces cell death in mast cells: involvement of NF-kappaB. FEBS Lett 2003: 549(1-3), 87-93.

Grutzkau A, et al. alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone acts as a selective inducer of secretory functions in human mast cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000: 278(1), 14-19.

Melatonin Pineal gland, immune system Induces sleep and lowers body temperature Mast cells produce and release melatonin regardless of activation state Maldonado MD, et al. Evidence of melatonin synthesis and release by mast cells. Possible modulatory role on inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2010: 62(3), 282-287.