[Effect of lead acetate on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of mammary mast cells in lactating rats].

The mammary mast cells number, distribution, type and some other structural characteristics was studied at 7., 14. and 21. postpartum date in lactating Wistar rats receiving deionized water of lead acetate via drinking water during the first lactation. Toluidine blue or alcian blue and safranine staining of the material from left abdominal mammary glands were used for histological, histochemical and morphometry evaluation. Thirty random immersion fields of three distant tissue section in the stromal compartment of each gland's areas were counted. The fluctuation of mammary mast cells number with peak at 14th postpartum date and dominance of granulated and with epithelium unassociated mast cells was estimated in normal lactating animals. The parallel progress of safranine-positive granules and secretory activity of mammary mast cells with the length of lactation was observed in the same group of animals. The fluctuation of mammary mast cells number during the lactational period with significant increased at 14th postpartum date and dominance with epithelium associated cells at the same time was estimated in lead acetate treated lactating animals. Safranine-stained positive material was dominant in mammary mast cells under the influence of lead. In the same group of animals the progression of release the secretory granules from mast cells and partial to total degranulation of cells was observed. During the lactation and under the influence of lead the mammary mast cells are associated with the gland changes in morphology and function.