Hormone | Location released | Major functions | Interaction with mast cells | Reference |
Beta endorphin | Pituitary | Inhibits pain signaling | In two studies, beta endorphin was shown to induce histamine release from mast cells; however, this phenomenon has not been seen by other researchers.
Sensation of pain activates mast cells and can also trigger endorphin release, so interplay between endorphins and mast cells is possible. |
Kimura T, et al. Intradermal application of nociception increases vascular permeability in rats: the possible involvement of histamine release from mast cells. European Journal of Pharmacology 2000: 407, 327-332. |
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) | Heart | Reduce systemic vascular resistance and water, sodium and fat in blood, decreasing blood pressure
Decrease cardiac output Vasodilator Relax smooth muscle of airway |
BNP directly activates mast cells in a dose dependent fashion. | Yoshida H, et al. Histamine release induced by human natriuretic peptide from rat peritoneal mast cells. Regulatory Peptides 1996: 61, 45-49. |
Calcidiol/ Vitamin D3 (inactive) | Skin | Inactive form of vitamin D3 | Vitamin D decreases IgE dependent mast cell activation and cytokine production in a dose dependent fashion.
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Yip KH, et al. Mechanisms of vitamin D3 metabolite repression of IgE-dependent mast cell activation. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2014: 133 (5), 1356-1364. |
Calcitonin | Thyroid | Stimulates bone construction
Promotes retention of calcium in bone |
One report in 1994 noted that serum calcitonin was increased in a patient with SM. | Yocum MW, et al. Increased plasma calcitonin levels in systemic mast cell disease. Mayo Clin Proc 1994: 69 (10), 987-990. |
Calcitriol/ Vitamin D3 | Kidney | Promote absorption of calcium and phosphate in GI tract
Inhibit release of parathyroid hormone in kidneys |
Vitamin D decreases IgE dependent mast cell activation and cytokine production in a dose dependent fashion.
|
Yip KH, et al. Mechanisms of vitamin D3 metabolite repression of IgE-dependent mast cell activation. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2014: 133 (5), 1356-1364. |
Cholecystokinin | Small intestine | Release of digestive enzymes from pancreas and bile from gallbladder
Suppresses hunger Stimulates vagus nerve Decreases gastric emptying and GI motility Unclear role in medication tolerance and withdrawal |
The form of CCK most predominant in intestine (CCK-33) stabilizes mast cells.
May have a role in preventing mast cell degranulation as a response to food. |
Vergara P, et al. Neuroendocrine control of intestinal mucosal mast cells under physiological conditions. Neurogastroenterology 2002: 14(1), 35-42. |
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) | Hypothalamus | Stimulate ACTH release from pituitary | CRH binds to mast cell receptors CRHR-1 and CRHR-2 causing release of VEGF but not histamine, tryptase or IL-8.
CRH is also released by mast cells. |
Theoharides TC, et al. Mast cells and inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta 2012: 1822(1), 21-33. |
Cortisol and other glucocorticoids | Adrenal gland (cortex) | Breaks down fat in adipose tissue
Drives production of glucose, epinephrine and norepinephrine Inhibits immune action and inflammation, protein production, and glucose transfer to muscle and adipose tissue Cortisol has a wide range of other effects |
Glucocorticoids inhibit mediator production in several ways.
Decreases prostaglandin production by decreasing levels of COX-2, an enzyme that makes prostaglandins. Decreases production of leukotrienes, prostaglandins and thromboxanes by increasing anti-inflammatory molecules. Triggers release of annexin-1, an anti-inflammatory molecule that is also involved in the mast cell stabilizing mechanism of cromolyn. Lowers bradykinin levels, decreasing swelling. Directly interferes with production and secretion of cytokines. |
The role of Annexin-A1/FPR2 system in the regulation of mast cell degranulation provoked by compound 48/80 and in the inhibitory action of nedocromil. International Immunopharmacology 2016: 32, 87-95.
Oppong E, et al. Molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in mast cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013: 380, 119-126. |
Author’s note: I tried to hit the high notes here but cortisol has a massive range of effects on immune function, including mast cells, so the next post in this series will be dedicated just to cortisol and the effects on mast cells.