Rat peritoneal mast cell (RPMC) (RPMC)

Rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) are a specialized population of immune cells found in the serosal cavity of rats, widely utilized as a primary ex vivo model for studying mast cell activation and degranulation (PMID: 11513358). These cells are characterized by large cytoplasmic granules containing preformed mediators such as histamine, heparin, and various proteases, which are released upon activation through the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) or via non-immunological stimuli like Compound 48/80 (PubMed: 8529446). In pharmacological research, RPMCs serve as a standard assay system for screening mast cell stabilizers and anti-allergic drugs, such as cromolyn sodium and ketotifen, which act to prevent the release of these pro-inflammatory substances (PubChem CID 2850). Although they are essential tools for understanding the pathophysiology of immediate hypersensitivity, asthma, and inflammation, RPMCs themselves represent a cellular population rather than a single molecular therapeutic target (StatPearls: Mast Cell). Their use has been instrumental in identifying compounds that mitigate allergic symptoms by stabilizing the cell membrane and inhibiting calcium influx required for exocytosis. This model remains a cornerstone in respiratory and allergy research due to the ease of isolation and the robust secretory response of the cells, though researchers must account for species-specific differences when translating findings to human clinical applications.

Other names

RPMCRat serosal mast cellsPeritoneal mast cells

Mast cell stabilization, inhibition of calcium-dependent exocytosis, and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediator release.