Significance of tissue chromaffin cells and mast cells in man.

IX .1877, Ehrlich 1 described peculiar types of granular connective tissue cells which he later termed "mast cells." The distinctive characteristic of these cells was the metachromatic staining properties* of their granules. Since then a voluminous literature has appeared regarding the nature of these interesting cells. In the last few years, it has been shown by Adams-Ray and Nordenstam,' Rhodin et al., Burch and Phillips, and Burn and co-workers' s that some cells, which might bo superficially termed mast cells, were morphologically distinct and capable of displaying the well-known "chromaffin-reaction," that histochemical characteristic so typical of the adrenal medulla. Further, by utilizing electron microscopy, Hibbs, Burch and Phillips have been able to demonstrate unequivocal morphological differences in types of so-called tissue mast cells. It appears that the statement in a recent text, "For lack of better criteria,