| dc.description.abstract | Mast cells occur in all vertebrate classes from fishes to mammals, but wide variation exist in their distribution, numbers, and intracellular constituent (Macy, 1986). They are classified into two subtypes, mucosal type (MMC) and connective tissue type (CTMC), based on their histochemical properties (Enerback, 1986), reactivity to secretagogues (Shanahan et al., 1985), type of granule protease's (Miller et a/., 1989), and also of their growth factor dependency (Smith and Weis, 1996). Their primary function appears to concern with defense mechanism, particularly the induction of acute inflanimatory reactions and participation in immune responses (Galli, 1990). It is well known that dog mast cells contain an impressive array of physiologically active component (Mc Kay and Bienenstock, 1994). | id |
