Submucosal Mast Cells Research Articles

Localization of cells containing and forming histamine in the gastric mucosa of the rat

1. 1. A histochemical method for visualization of tissue histamine by fluorescence microscopy was developed. 2. 2. When this method was applied to the rat stomach, fluorophores of histamine could be observed in cells, located in the base of the gastric glands, and in the few submucosal mast cells. 3. 3. The histamine-containing cells of the glands did not stain like the parietal, chief or mast cells. 4. 4. By determinations on serial sections of the mucosa the distribution of histamine could be compared with the histamine forming capacity. Both were found to reside in the same part of the gastric glands. 5. 5. The distribution of the parietal cells did not indicate any connection with histamine and its formation. 6. 6. A possible mode of action of the mucosal histamine in stimulating the parietal cells is discussed.