Accumulation and degranulation of mast cells in experimental neuromas

Mast cell accumulation and degranulation occur within the endoneurium of injured peripheral nerves. We investigated the time course of mast cell accumulation and degranulation in experimental neuromas of the sciatic nerve in rats. Mast cell accumulation and degranulation were significant only after the first week following neuroma creation and were prominent at 14 days within the neuroma stump. Mast cell degranulation could account for microvascular changes within neuromas after the first week following injury.