[The effect of lead acetate on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of mammary mastocytes in primigravid rats].
The mammary mast cells number, structure and distribution was studied at 7, 14 and 21 days post-plug data in Wistar rats receiving lead acetate via drinking water or deionized water during first pregnancy. 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 oil immersion fields of three distant tissue section in the stromal compartment of each gland's areas were counted. The parallel progress of mast cells number with gestational progression of mammary gland, dominance alcian blue-stained positive, granulated and with epithelial unassociated mammary mast cells was estimated in normal pregnant animals. Significant increased mammary cells number, dominance of safranine-stained positive, with epithelium unassociated and degranulating mast cells was estimated in lead acetate treated pregnant animals. We concluded that lead acetate exerts on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of mammary mast cells during pregnancy in Wistar rats. We propose some protective role of mammary mast cells in pregnant animals treated by lead acetate.