Comparison of Several Methods for Isolation of Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells.

Abstract

Summary Several dense media were compared for suitability for isolation of rat peritoneal mast cells. Mast cells isolated in 35% Ficoll (a synthetic polysaccharide) or in 37% bovine serum albumin solutions did not lose histamine during the isolation procedure or during a short period of incubation in an isosmotic medium. They responded normally to the histamine releasing action of compound 48/80 or antigen. In contrast, cells isolated in three types of sucrose media lost much of their histamine during isolation and during subsequent incubation in an isotonic medium. Histamine release induced by compound 48/80 or antigen was less than in mixed peritoneal cell suspensions. It is concluded that concentrated sucrose solutions damage mast cells, probably as a result of the hypertonicity of the media.