Mast Cells
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article describes mast cells (Mastzellen) as fixed cells of loose fibrous connective tissue containing basophilic granules. It notes their varying distribution, secretory nature, and metachromatic staining properties.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
MAST CELLS (German Mastzellen), fixed cells of loose fibrous connective tissue containing basophilic granulation in their cytoplasm. The number of cells in different parts of the body and in various animals is variable, as is the size of the granules and the intensity of their staining. Apparently, the granules are a secretion of these cells; they can liquefy and be released into the intercellular substance of the connective tissue, whereupon the cell is surrounded by a halo that stains metachromatically with a reddish tint (see Basophilia). Mast cells of the blood - see Blood.
Related articles
Mentioned in
Cite this page
“Mast Cells.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/mast-cells/