In this work we analyzed by RT-PCR, the mRNA changes for IL-4, IL-10, TNF and IFN ( induced by TSL-1 antigens in a rat mast cell line (HRMC) with mucosal characteristics. The data obtained showed an increase of 65 and 52 % in mRNA expression for IL-4 and TNF respectively and a decrease of 59 and 55 % in mRNAs for IFNγ and IL-10. Our results suggest that TSL-1 antigens induce the release from MC of regulatory molecules, such as IL-4 by an IgE independent mechanism. Our data also provides important information related to the ability of MC to participate not only in the effector phase against the infectious agents, but also in the orchestration of the immune response by the host against parasites.