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Mast cells in the chick digestive tract. I. Development.
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Shanxi Medical College, P. R. of China.
The Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Mast cells appear in the developing chick embryo
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Histology
Background:
- Mast cells are immune cells found in various tissues.
- Their development and characteristics in the embryonic digestive tract are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the appearance, staining properties, and ultrastructure of mast cells in the developing chick embryo's digestive tract.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining (toluidine blue, Alcian Blue-Safranin O)
- Electron microscopy (EM)
Main Results:
- Mast cells emerged in the esophagus, proventriculus, and small intestine around day 13 of incubation, earlier in the tongue.
- Staining properties and granule ultrastructure changed significantly with embryonic development.
- Changes observed included variations in metachromasia and granule coloration (blue/red) with toluidine blue and Alcian Blue-Safranin O.
Conclusions:
- Mast cell development in the chick embryo digestive tract is a dynamic process.
- Changes in staining and ultrastructure reflect maturation and functional differentiation of mast cells.