Heparin and Heparinocytes in Elephantiasis Scroti.

Microscopic examination of a human scrotum amputated because of elephantiasis showed numerous heparinocytes around lymph and blood vessels. One hundred and twenty-six mg of purified heparin per kg of wet tissue was obtained. Based on the purified material, the scrotum contained at least 16,380 I.U. of activity per kg of fresh tissue. These findings are further evidence that mast cells are sources of heparin. They also explain the absence of thrombosis in elephantiasis.