The in Vitro Effect of Neurotensin on Human Jejunal Mast Cells

Abstract
Neurotensin was added to human jejunal mucosal biopsy specimens from six individuals. Fifty-seven per cent degranulation of mast cells was seen at a concentration of neurotensin of 10−9 M and 43% at 10−6 M, as compared with 31% with IgE antibody/antigen. There was no change in degranulation with neurotensin when IgE was added to biopsy specimens before neurotensin in a 10−6 M solution. This effect of neurotensin on human jejunal mast cells supports the evidence for receptors for neurotensin on mast cells shown in rat experiments.