Research

High abundances of neurotrophin 3 in atopic dermatitis mast cell

David Quarcoo¹ , Tanja C Fischer² , Nora Peckenschneider³ , David A Groneberg¹ and Pia Welker³

¹  Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, D-14195 Berlin, Germany

²  Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, D-10115 Berlin, Germany

³  Institute of Anatomy, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, D-10115 Berlin, Germany

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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009, 4:8doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-8

Published:	22 April 2009

Abstract

Background

Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) is a member of the neurotrophin family, a group of related proteins that are known to regulate neuro-immune interactions in allergic diseases. Their cellular sources and role in the recruitment of mast cell precursors in atopic dermatitis have not been characterized in detail so far.

Objective

Characterize NT-3 on a transcriptional and translational level in individuals with atopic dermatitis with special focus on mast cells.

Methods

To meet this objective NT-3 levels in the serum of AD patients were measured, the effect of NT-3 on keratinocytes was evaluated and the gene expression and regulation assessed using ELISA, immunohistochemistry and RNA quantification.

Results

Systemic levels of NT-3 were found to be higher in individuals with AD as compared to healthy controls. A distinct genetic expression was found in the various cells of the skin. In lesional mast cells of individuals with atopic dermatitis an increased amount of NT-3 was apparent. Functional in vitro experiments demonstrated that NT-3 stimulation led to a suppression of IL-8 secretion by HaCat cells.

Conclusion

These findings could imply a role for NT-3 in the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases.