The Role of the Adrenals on the Mucosal Mast Cells and Tissue Eosinophils in the Gastric Wall of Rat

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Abstract
The effect of ACTH on the mucosal mast cells and tissue eosinophils in the gastric wall of adrenalectomized and intact rats was studied. In intact rats, ACTH caused almost complete degranulation of the mucosal mast cells and a highly significant fall in tissue eosinophilia. Its degranulating effect on the mucosal mast cells and its tissue eosinopenic effect were inhibited after adrenalectomy. Adrenalectomy alone caused a slight increase in both these cell types in the gastric mucosa. The significance of mast cells as a mucosal histamine depot and its possible primary role as secretory stimulant of the parenchyma and secondary role in causing reduction of tissue eosinophilia is discussed.