Effect of Cortisone on the Mast Cells of the Rat

Abstract

Adult rats, injected with cortisone in various doses and for a different period, constantly showed a marked reduction in the mast cell counts of dermal, muscular and myocardial tissue, together with a strong decrease of hyaluronic acid of the connective tissue. Similar results were observed in the skin when the hormone was applied locally. It is pointed out that a close correlation exists between the mast cells and hyaluronic acid and that cortisone acts as an inhibitory factor on these cells, just as on the other cellular constituents of the mesenchymal tissues.