Perfluorooctane sulfonate exacerbates mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation by the release of histamine

Backgrounds: Mast cells play a major role in allergic inflammation by the release of histamine, an important mediator of type I hypersensitivity. Cencerns regarding potential harmful effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been raised. Previous studies reported that PFOS causes various adverse effects such as immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. This report studied whether PFOS affects mast cells-mediated allergic inflammation. Methods: Ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis model was used to assess for the type I hypersensitivity. After sensitization, mice were orally administered with PFOS and then allergic symptoms such as hypothermia and increase of serum allergic mediator were measured. In additional, this study investigated whether PFOS deteriorate allergic inflammation in immunoglobulin E-stimulated mast cells. Results: PFOS aggravated the allergic symptoms such as hypothermia, and increase of serum histamine, tumor necrosis factor-α and immunoglobulin (Ig) E/ G1. PFOS increased the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase through the up-regulation of intracellular calcium in IgE-stimulated mast cells. PFOS also enhanced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating nuclear factor-κB. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PFOS more intensifies the mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation.