[Ultrastructural evaluation of mast cells in food allergy]

In this paper we described the fine structure changes observed in mast cells from patients with food allergy. We studied material from 7 patients with allergy for the eggs and flour. Biopsies were obtained from the gastric mucosa, duodenum and rectum after the allergic provocation. Ultrastructural examination revealed mast cells mainly in the submucosa near the blood vessels. Mast cells had ultrastructural changes characteristic of degranulation. These facts suggest that there is correlation between mast cells and food allergen.