Number and Distribution of Mast Cells in Reproductive Systems of Gravid and Non-Gravid Female Mice

Abstract

Mast cells are mainly distributed in tissues exposed to the external environment, but they are also found in ovaries, oviducts and uterus. We determined the difference in the number and distribution of Alcian Blue (+) and Safranine O (+) mast cells in reproductive systems of gravid and non-gravid female mice by histological examination. We showed that the number of mast cells is significantly higher in the reproductive system of gravid mice than in the reproductive system of non-gravid mice. Mast cells are unevenly distributed in ovaries, oviducts and uterus in both gravid and non-gravid mice. A large number of mast cells reside close to blood vessels throughout the entire reproductive system.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave

“…Morphological and functional properties of MCs differ according to their location within the organism [3]. Mast cells are reported to be widely distributed throughout female reproductive organs, including the uterus, oviduct, and ovaries of mice, rats, hamsters, cows, and guinea pigs [5,[16][17][18]. Previous investigation under a light microscope has revealed changes in the characteristics and location of MCs in uterine and ovarian tissues.…”

“…It was noticed in cows (which demonstrate well-developed interstitial cortical stroma and a long estrous cycle) that MCs occupy the cortical and medullar tissue of the ovary [ 12 , 19 ]. Other studies have highlighted that MCs exist only in the medulla in rats and guinea pigs (which have short estrous cycles) [ 17 , 18 ]. Moreover, MCs were found in small numbers in the stromal tissue of the human endometrium [ 20 , 21 ].…”