Tissue Mast Cells in Anaphylactic Shock and Anaphylactoid Reactions

Abstract

Injections of distilled water, trypsin, dextran, peptone and application of tourniquets to rats gave a reaction similar to that obtained by the injection of rabbit serum containing antibodies against the connective tissue of rats. Subsequently, the histamine excretion was increased in most cases. The tissue mast cells, in contrast to controls, displayed qualitatively similar alterations in all types of shock. These observations indicate a connection between the damage to, or destruction of, mast cells and histamine liberation in albino rats. Related problems are discussed.