Mast cells are a source of transforming growth factor β in systemic sclerosis

To describe the cellular source of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the dermis of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).We performed electron microscopy (EM) with immunogold labeling on skin biopsy specimens from 7 patients with SSc and 3 healthy control subjects. For TGFβ quantification, the numbers of gold particles per square micron were calculated. The origin of mast cells was confirmed and quantified by toluidine blue staining and...