Characterization of mast cell anatomy and function in primate airways - interaction with the nervous system

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This project aims to investigate mast cell biology in primate airways where the phylogenetic homology to the human respiratory tract is very high. For this purpose it will focus on airways of the nonhuman primate Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset). In our previous work we could show that the mechanisms of mast cell induced bronchoconstriction are similar between marmosets and humans in contrast to laboratory rodents. The project includes three major parts. 1. Comparative anatomy of airway mast cells with special emphasis on mast cell-nerve interaction using histological and immunohistochemical methods, electron microscopy (EM), as well as confocal microscopy. 2. Functional characterization of mast cell function in the mechanisms of bronchoconstriction ex vivo in precision cut lung slices (PCLS). Videomicroscopy and two-photon- microscopy following pharmacological intervention with e. g. neuropeptide antagonists will allow insights in the mechanisms of mast cell-nerve interaction. The results will be confirmed in human PCLS. 3. Finally, in vivo lung function measurements in the marmoset will allow confirming the function of mast cell-nerve interaction in the induction of bronchoconstriction.