Histamine promotes the expression of receptors TLR2 and TLR4 and amplifies sensitivity to lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid treatment in human gingival fibroblasts.

The vasoactive hydrophilic amine histamine is the most important molecule released by mast cells. However, histamine's role in activating intracellular responses in HGFs (human gingival fibroblasts) has not been evaluated to date. In the present study, we investigated the effect of histamine and of Gram-negative [LPS (lipopolysaccharide)] and Gram-positive [LTA (lipoteichoic acid)] bacterial components on the modulation of the inflammatory response of HGFs.

Activation of ERK1/2 by protein kinase C-alpha in response to hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in human gingival fibroblasts.

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) increases protein tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous proteins in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Two main proteins, with an apparent molecular weight of 44 and 42kDa, were phosphorylated after hydrogen peroxide stimulation of the human gingival fibroblasts. Further analysis identified these two proteins as ERK1/2.