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

Abstract

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.