The Appearance and Significance of Tissue Mast Cells in Human Bone Marrow

Abstract

Marrow aspirates (269) from 230 patients were classified according to the number of mast cells present as follows: (1) None, 30%; (2) a few, 60%; (3) abundant, 10% of the patients. The presence and number of mast cells bore no relation to the Fe content of the marrow or to the degree of erythropoiesis. Mast cells, if present, were constantly observed in the periphery of lymph follicles. The cause of increase in marrow mast cells is not clear.