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It is widely accepted that neurokinin 1 (NK 1) receptors are not generally expressed on mast cells but little is known about their expression in inflammation. The present study shows expression of NK 1 receptors on bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) under the influence of IL-4 or stem cell factor (SCF). Highest expression was found when both cytokines are present. Six days of coculture with the cytokines IL-4 and SCF showed significant expression of NK 1 receptors (NK 1 receptor+/c-kit+ BMMC; control: 7%, IL-4/SCF: 16%), while 12 days of cytokine coculture increased this expression to 37% positive cells. A longer coculture with IL-4 and SCF did not give an additional effect. Increased expression in IL-4/SCF-treated BMMC was further confirmed using Western blot analysis. Next, we demonstrated the functional relevance of NK 1 receptor expression for mast cell activation, resulting in an enhanced …