Immunofluorescent localization of an alkaline proteinase in skeletal muscles from diabetic rats.

Alkaline proteinase (chymase) was localized in skeletal muscle tissues from seven day streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Extruded mast cell granules containing proteinase were visible in the extracellular space and inside certain myofibers from both extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. Additional diffuse staining was present in the cytoplasm of many EDL fibers. This evidence provides support for a possible role of muscle cells in the endocytosis of mast cell granules.