Mast cells and collagen fibrillogenesis

This article presents 20 combinations of histochemical stainings for the determination of mast cell co-localization with the fibrous component of the connective tissue in the fibrillogenesis course. Best results were obtained using metachromatic detection of mast cells in combination with silver or picro-fuchsin impregnation, staining with brilliant green using van Gieson staining, and a combination of aniline blue staining with neutral red. Proposed variants of histochemical protocols open up new opportunities to analyze the participation of mast cells in extracellular matrix remodeling of the tissue microenvironment in the course of adaptive and pathological processes. Results obtained expand the current theoretical views of the process of fibrillogenesis in the extracellular matrix. They also shed new light on the participation of mast cell secretion components in the molecular mechanisms of fiber formation.