[Mast cells of the pharyngeal tonsils]

The adenoidal mast cells were obtained from the adenoids by enzymatic dispersion of the tissue by enzyme collagenase. Mast cells constituted 1-2% of total cell population and were morphologically intact, as judged by light microscopy. They could be sensitized passively in vitro with homologous reaginic serum and released histamine after challenge with specific antigen. The adenoidal mast cells released histamine after challenge with anti-IgE. These cells were unresponsive to the action of compound 48/80 and had low sensitivity to the action of polymyxin B, concanavalin A and ionophore A23187. Our studies have shown that mast cells obtained from adenoids by enzymatic dispersion can be used for experiments in vitro.