[Seasonal changes in the cytochemical properties of the peritoneal mast cells in rats]

Contents of histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, functional state of heparinic proteoglycan have been studied in the rat peritoneal mast cells during various seasons of the year (January-February, May-June, July). In winter the mast cells have a high content of histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, heparinic proteoglycan of their granules is stained with both alcian blue and safranin. In summer (July) content of histamine in the mast cells is sharply decreased in comparison with that of 5-hydroxytryptamine and in May-June the content of both amines is decreased nearly to background values. Both during spring and summer periods heparinic proteoglycan of the mast cell granules is stained only with alcian blue and does not take safranin. A suggestion is made on independence of the seasonal changes of annual rhythmical pattern of histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine contents in the mast cells. A conclusion is made concerning possible participation of the mast cell system of organs and tissues in the seasonal changes of biogenic amine levels in them.