Abstract
The effect of intradermally administered hydrocortisone on rabbit mast cells was studied in 63 biopsies and compared with the effect of intradermally administered cortisone, cholesterol and saline solution. Hydrocortisone and cortisone produced alterations in the morphology of the mast cells similar to those observed during systemic cortisone therapy, the most striking change being the inequality in shape and size of the granules. It was thought that both compounds acted directly upon the individual cells. There was no distinct effect upon the fibroblasts, and wound healing was not significantly delayed.