CHROMAFFIN CELLS, MAST CELLS AND MELANIN

Abstract

SUMMARY Sections of human skin obtained from a variety of sites and from subjects of different ages have been examined. Mast cells, melanocytes and melanophores have been identified by the use of various staining procedures, but the 'chromaffin cells' reported by Adams-Ray & Nordenstam (1956) and Burch & Phillips (1958) have not been observed. The staining reactions of pressor amine-containing chromaffin cells are reviewed and contrasted with those of the granular cells of the skin.