Human mast cells express two leukotriene C4 synthase isoenzymes and the CysLT1 receptor

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LTs) are potent smooth muscle contracting agents, especially in the respiratory tract and microcirculation, and play a key role in inflammatory and allergic diseases, The final step in the biosynthesis of LTC4, the parent compound of cys-LTs, is catalyzed by a specific GSH transferase termed LTC4 synthase, which is typically expressed in certain bone marrow-derived cells such as eosinophils and mast cells. Here we report that the human mast cell line HMC-1 as well as human mast cells derived from cord blood (CBMC) express a second enzyme capable of synthesizing leukotriene C-4, i.e., microsomal GSH transferase type 2. Furthermore, these cells abundantly express CysLT, receptors that are mostly located at the surface of both types of mast cells, as judged by immunohistochemistry. In addition, stimulation of CBMC with LTC4 and LTD4 elicits an immediate and dose-dependent (10(-7) - 10(-11) M) mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, which can be blocked with specific CysLT(1) receptor antagonists. Taken together, our data suggest that human mast cells are equipped with two enzymes that can catalyze the committed step in the biosynthesis of cys-LTs. Moreover, the expression of the cognate receptor CysLT(1) suggests that these lipid mediators may be involved in autocrine signaling pathways regulating mast cell functions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.