Mast Cell Differentiation in Major Salivary Glands and in the Tongue of Prenatal and Newborn Rats.

CAVICCHIA, J.C.; ZAVALA, W.; FÓSCOLO M.; DAVILA, J

Philadelphia. USA

Congreso; AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY. 50th ANNUAL MEETING:; 2010

AMERICAL SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY. USA.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY ABSTRACT   Mast cell differentiation in major salivary glands and in the tongue of prenatal and newborn rats.   Cavicchia, J. C., Zavala, W., Fóscolo, M., Dávila, J.    Mast cells (MC) are one of the antigen-presenting cells responsible for initiating an immune response. They are normal residents of the connective tissue usually localized at the interface between the body and the environment, such as in skin and mucosal surfaces. They are able to perceive a variety of allergens and invading pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological changes in salivary gland mast cells and tongue after their first appearance in 17 day-post fecundation embryos. Fragments of salivary gland and tongue at different ages were processed with routine techniques in electron microscopy, and for immunohistochemistry using specific monoclonal antibodies again MC granules. We observed quali- and quantitative changes in MC at their different localizations and in their granules during prenatal and newborn differentiation. Results suggest that MC play a relevant role in salivary and mucosal antigen detection and that there is a close cooperation with other professional antigen presenting cells like dendritic cells. Supported by grants from Cuyo University,  Argentina and CONICET (Argentine National Research Council).