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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
[Mast cells of the human pineal gland.]
E A Fedorova1, D A Sufieva1,2, I P Grigorev1
1Institute of Experimental Medicine, 12, Akad. Pavlova str., St. Petersburg, 197376, Russian Federation;
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the possibilities of identifying mast cells using different histochemical and immunohistochemical methods and elucidating the features of their localization in the human pineal gland. The undertaken study showed that mast cells are an essential component of the human pineal gland, regardless of age. The data obtained indicate an increase in the number of mast cells in the pineal gland with age. Mast cells are mostly located in the pineal stroma and their preferred location has not been related to concrements, cysts or melanin accumulations. Mast cells in the pineal gland are predominantly non-degranulating, which indicates their inactive state. The detectability of mast cells in the pineal gland depended significantly on the applied method of staining of the preparations. The largest number of mast cells was revealed by tryptase immunohistochemistry, which should be used to accurately determine the population of mast cells of the pineal gland.
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