[Hyperplasia and degranulation of mast cells in intima of the aorta and pulmonary artery in acute myocardial infarction].
OBJECTIVE
To study morphological and functional state of mast cells from intima of the aorta and pulmonary artery associated with acute cardiovascular failure due to myocardial infarction.


METHODS
Vessels of 44 men who died of acute myocardial infarction at the age of 42-73 years.


METHODS
Intimal cellular elements were analyzed in membranous preparations of intima and transverse cross-sections of vessels. Parameters studied were density of mast cells (number per unit of intima area), percent of mast cells in the state of degranulation, degree of polymorphism of mast cells. Data obtained in victims of myocardial infarctions were compared with those from apparently healthy persons who died of accidental causes.


RESULTS
Intima of both the aorta and pulmonary artery in all cases of myocardial infarction was characterized by: 1. hyperplasia of mast cells (44.9 cells/mm(2) compared with 9.6 in controls); 2. substantially increased number of cells in the state of secretory activity (36.9 cells/mm(2) compared with 4.0 in controls); 3. pronounced polymorphism of mast cells reflecting disturbed balance between processes of degranulation and regranulation. Increased number of mast cells in intima was accompanied by elevated content of various T-lymphocytes and monocytes. Changes of mast cell population in main vessels of the body observed in this study can be considered as reaction aimed at stabilization of circulation in acute myocardial infarction.
Zhdanov
V S
VS
Russian Cardiology Research Complex; ul. Tretiya Cherepkovskaya 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia.
Drobkova
I P
IP
Chumachenko
P V
PV
Cherpachenko
N M
NM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology*; D015550:Cell Degranulation; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology*; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000473:pathology*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*