mastocytosis/carbohydrate

Mice homozygous for the autosomal recessive gene, cartilage matrix deficiency (cmd/cmd) are characterized by disproportionate dwarfism and cleft palate and are suffered from genetic failure in biosynthesis of cartilage-type proteoglycans. To investigate histochemical aspects of the defects in

Schistosomes are eliminated from laboratory rats around 28 days post-infection, whilst they are still resident within the hepatic portal distributaries of the liver. We have previously shown that their presence in this location is accompanied by an intense mastocytosis. We have investigated the

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear, highly negatively charged carbohydrate chains present in connective tissues. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparin (Hep) are also found in the numerous secretory granules of mast cells (MC), tissue immune cells involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. CS

We examined effects of mast cell glycosaminoglycans on the establishment of the intestinal nematode, Strongyloides venezuelensis, in the mouse small intestine. When intestinal mastocytosis occurred, surgically implanted adult worms could not invade and establish in the intestinal mucosa. In mast