Quantitative cytophotometric analyses of mesenteric mast cell granulation in acute soman intoxicated rats

Effects of the organophosphate neurotoxin soman on rat mesenteric mast cell granule content were determined using scanning-integrating microdensitometric analysis of individual cell metachromasia. Mast cell degranulation was evidenced both with sublethal (0.5 LD50) and lethal (1.5 LD50) dosages and as early as 3-10 min post-injection. These data indicate a possible contribution of mast cell autacoids in the genesis of organophosphate-induced respiratory and circulatory collapse.