Magnesium and sulfur in mast cell and basophil granules of lower vertebrates in relation with histamine

Abstract

Mast cell and basophil granules of the vertebrate contain heparin or related sulfated proteoglycans. Histamine is also present in mammalian mast cells and basophils. However, no histamine is detected in mast cell granules of the amphibian or fish, while it is shown in those of reptiles and birds A quantitative x-ray microanalysis of mast cell granules of fresh frozen dried ultrathin sections of the tongue of Wistar rats and tree frogs disclosed high concentrations of sulfur in rat mast cell granules and those of sulfur and magnesium in the tree frog granules. Their concentrations in tree frog mast cell granules were closely correlated (r=0.94).Fresh frozen dried ultrathin sections and fresh air-dried prints of the tree frog tongue and spleen and young red-eared turtle (ca. 6 g) spleen and heart blood were examined by a quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis (X-650, Kevex-7000) for the element constituents of the granules of mast cells and basophils. The specimens were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (80-200 kV) and followed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) under an analytical electron microscope (X-650) at an acceleration voltage of 40 kV and a specimen current of 0.2 nA. A spot analysis was performed in a STEM mode for 100 s at a specimen current of 2 nA on the mast cell and basophil granules and other areas of the cells. Histamine was examined by the o-phthalaldehyde method.