[Mast cells in biopsies of fibrosing alveolitis].

The mechanism of fibroproduction of the lung tissue in fibrosing alveolitis is connected with the presence of mixed cell exudate, persevering interalveolar and peribronchial edema and proliferation of glycoproteins. As the multiplication of heparinocytes in the conditions of fibrosing alveolitis as against the material compared in conclusive, we may infer that the release of their mediators leads to dilatation of interalveolar capillaries, to an increase in their permeability and thus to the origin of interstitial edema. The release of biogenic amines from the granules of heparinocytes is a possible agent even in the chemotactic influence on neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes and thrombocytes. The fact that heparinocytes proliferate even in the latter phases of inflammation indicates that they create conditions for the perseverance of inflammatory exudation and interstitial edema. And this may be regarded as a direct cause of fibroproduction.