Vasculitis, Mast Cells and the Collagen Diseases

Abstract

Abstract Purpura and necrotizing vasculitis complicate high dose adrenocortical therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Pathological changes in five cases are summarized. Tissue mast cells are concentrated around blood vessels and store heparin, histamine, hyaluronic acid and in some species, serotonin. These pleuri‐potential cells upon „trauma”︁ yield these potent biological substances which may act as prime movers in the inflammatory reaction. Association of these cells with adrenocortical steroids, fibrogenesis and anaphylaxis is further evidence that they play a role in the panangiitic reaction of hypercortisonism.