In vitro Studies on the Uptake of Biogenic Amines by Rat Mast Cells

Mast cells from rat peritoneal and thoracic cavities were isolated and incubated with biogenic amines (dopamine [DA], noradrenaline [NAa] and 5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) or their precursor amino acids. Competition for uptake, saturation of mast cell amine stores (for 5‐HT and DA), and blockade of uptake by metabolic inhibitors indicate that simple passive diffusion does not suffice to explain the uptake by mast cells of the amines studied. The uptake of 5‐HT and DA appears to primarily involve active transport, whereas the uptake of Hi and NA may preferentially operate by facilitated diffusion.