The separation of mast cells with a modified coil planet centrifuge

Abstract Mast cells of peritoneal and pleural fluid of albino rats were separated by a modified coil planet centrifuge. This apparatus was composed of a double rotating system and utilized the steady flow of medium (acid-citrate-dextrose solution with 15% rat serum) through a coiled Teflon tube (0.66 mm × 10 m) in a weak centrifugal field (40 g). This system prevented cell adhesion and aggregation during centrifugation. Mast cells were separated from the other cells by densities and size. A final purity of 97.2 ± 1.0% was achieved reproducibly with reasonable yield. Morphological and chemical examination indicated little change in the mast cells after separation; separated mast cells were able to undergo granule discharge and histamine release.