[Morphological data on the increased functional activity of mast cells in spontaneous hypertension in the rat]

Fluorescent microscopy and morphometric study of mast cells of the dura mater in spontaneously hypertensive rats have shown the increased number of mast cells and the proportion of mature secreting forms as compared to the similar indicators in normotensive animals. This fact is regarded as reflecting hyperfunction of all the mast cell population during this type of arterial hypertension. The relationships between mast cells and arterial pressure control are discussed.