RESUMO
Quantitative changes in the total number and distribution of ovarian mast cells have been studied after administration of histamine and pentobarbitone sodium to rats at pro-oestrous stage. No significant differences in the total cell counts per section and percentage distribution in the hilar and stromal regions of the ovary were observed after blockade of ovulation with pentobarbitone as compared to control. However, after 24 hr of histamine treatment the number of cells was significantly less than that of oestrous stage but no change was seen relative to the pro-oestrous stage. The results suggest that the number of cells increases late in the pro-oestrous stage by invasion or differentiation in the stroma to maintain the requisite levels of histamine during ovulation.