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Mast cell heterogeneity in dog skin
The Anatomical Record
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Mast cells in dog skin show heterogeneity in staining properties based on tissue fixation methods. Different fixatives impact mast cell detection and staining, revealing distinct mast cell types in canine skin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Histopathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Mast cell metachromasia varies with tissue fixation and species.
- Previous studies indicate potential heterogeneity in mast cell staining properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mast cell heterogeneity in dog skin regarding fixation and staining.
- To compare staining characteristics of mast cells using different fixatives and stains.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies were obtained from dogs and fixed in formalin or basic lead acetate (Mota's solution).
- Sections were stained with alcian blue or for chloroacetate esterase activity.
- Mast cell counts were compared between fixation methods and staining techniques.
Main Results:
- Fewer mast cells were detected in formalin-fixed skin compared to basic lead acetate-fixed skin using alcian blue (P < 0.05).
- Chloroacetate esterase staining detected more mast cells irrespective of the fixative used.
- Atypical mast cells showed metachromasia only with basic lead acetate fixation, while typical mast cells stained with alcian blue regardless of fixation.
Conclusions:
- Dog skin mast cells exhibit heterogeneity in metachromatic staining based on fixation.
- "Typical" and "atypical" mast cells can be distinguished by their response to different fixation and staining protocols.
- Both mast cell types possess chloroacetate esterase activity.