[Heparin and mast cells in the dynamics of experimental extrahepatic cholestasis]

The content of heparin in the blood and mast cell count in rat tissues were studied during different periods of experimental extrahepatic cholestasis induced in rats by ligation of the common bile duct. During cholestasis the blood heparin level proved to increase and the mast cell count fell on the 3rd day, increased on the 7th day and fell again on the 14th day. Correlation between the degranulated and nondegranulated forms of mast cells altered in favour of the latter. The fluctuation of mast cell counts and increase of degranulated forms is considered to be the best result of mast cell irritation produced by bile acids and pigments which accumulated in the organism.