Histochemical demonstration of hyaluronic acid in human dermal mast cells

Acid mucopolysaccharides in mast cell granules were histochemically studied in the lesion of urticaria pigmentosa and in the dermis of normal human skin. Alcian blue and azure A were used to stain mucopolysaccharides. Bromphenol blue was employed for detection of basic proteins. In a further attempt to identify various polyanions, staining was carried out with alcian blue containing various concentrations of electrolytes. Methylation, saponification, and digestion with streptomyces or testicular hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC, sialidase, or desoxyribonuclease were also employed. The results obtained are most likely to suggest the presence of hyaluronic acid in mast cell granules.