Susceptibility to experimental atherosclerosis: relation to mast cells and heparin.

Fifteen chicken tissues were examined for mast cells. Numerous mast cells were found in peritoneum and spleen. The sulfated mucopolysaccharides extracted from these two tissues, corresponding in amount to that in mast cells, were found to be dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and heparitin sulfate but no evidence of heparin. We have shown a similar situation occurs in the rabbit which is also highly susceptible to the production of atherosclerosis by diet. These observations provide further evidence of a role for heparin and mast cells in limiting atherogenesis.