Uptake of released mast cell granules by reticular cells of the rat lymph node.

Granules released from mast cells were examined by electron microscopy in regional lymph nodes of rats after the injection of a large dose of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Thirty minutes after the injection, a large number of mast-cell granules were present in sinuses, most of which adhered to the surfaces of reticular cells and some to macrophages. Two hours after the injection, a number of granules had been taken up by both reticular cells and macrophages. Reticular cells took up more granules than macrophages. Twenty-four hours after the injection, granules were scarce in both types of cells and in the extracellular space. Reticular cells surely participate in dealing with released mast-cell granules in the lymph node. Fibronectin bound to all mast-cell granules was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Fibronectin probably enables negatively charged mast-cell granules to approach negatively charged cell surfaces to be taken up by both reticular cells and macrophages.