Distribution of mast cells in rat

Abstract

A new quantitative method to study the distribution of mast cells in the mesentery of the rat is detailled. Esentially, the method involves the mechanical fixation of the mesentery between a piece of cork and a metal support attached to the cork. Several of these devices are distributed along the mesentery in order to dye, to observe and to count the mast cells. The presence of the mast cells is demonstrated by fluorescent microscopy using acrydine orange as fluorochrom. In the present work are detailed the results obtained by the application of this method to rats of the Wistar strain, distributed in four lots according to the age. The rats were 2, 4, 6, and 12 months old.

It was found that the number of mast cells (the actual number founded is detailed in the present work) increases in the direction duodenum-ileum, reaching a constant value at the ileum, which is specially true for the distal portion. For the large intestine a decrease was found in the number of mast cells. The age appears to have no influence in the distribution of the mast cells in the rat mesentery.