An increased number of mast cells in the sclerae of alloxan-diabetic mice.
The number of mast cells in the sclerae and retinae has been investigated in alloxan-diabetic mice, in obese-hyperglycaemic mice and in non-diabetic, lean control animals. In contrast to the alloxan-diabetic mice the obese-hyperglycaemic animals have increased circulating inulin levels. In the sclerae of alloxan-diabetic mice the number of mast cells was significantly (P less than 0.05) increased. No increase in mast cell content could be observed in the sclerae of the obese-hyperglycaemic mice. No mast cells could be observed in the retina in any of the experimental groups. It is concluded that lack of insulin may be of importance for the accumulation of mast cells in the sclerae of mice with hyperglycaemia.
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008820:Mice, Obese; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology*