Degranulation in Mast Cells and Basophils: Confocal and Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils is the primary event in a variety of acute allergic and inflammatory conditions. The mechanism of the release of granules from these cells and the degranulation process of the cells is still not clear. Fluorescence microscopy has played an essential role in cell biology by allowing visualization of specific molecular components of cells. Recently, confocal laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy have been introduced into the field for studying the dynamic molecular organization. We review current views, including our recent imaging work on mast cell activation and degranulation, using these new microscopic methods.