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Mast cells are mainly distributed in tissues exposed to the external environment, but they are also found in ovaries, oviducts and uterus. We determined the difference in the number and distribution of Alcian Blue (+) and Safranine O (+) mast cells in reproductive systems of gravid and non-gravid female mice by histological examination. We showed that the number of mast cells is significantly higher in the reproductive system of gravid mice than in the reproductive system of non-gravid mice. Mast cells are unevenly distributed in ovaries, oviducts and uterus in both gravid and non-gravid mice. A large number of mast cells reside close to blood vessels throughout the entire reproductive system.

Introduction: A broad spectrum of research involving stress and stress protocols has long proven that a point of anhedonia, social defeat and learned helplessness can be achieved and observed – with anhedonia being a clinical symptom of Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Affective Disorder. Aim: The aim of this study is the development of a simplified protocol for anhedonia induction in NMRI male mice in order to shorten the period of mice suffering and decrease complexity of the procedure for other researchers and introduction of new parameter in order to achieve better standardization of results. Materials and Methods: 21 male NMRI mice were introduced to 2 different stress protocols (one found in literature and one simplified) where cognitive- behavioral status was tested using the Sucrose Preference Test, Open Field Test, Grooming Pattern and histological examination of adrenal glands, and to propose a new protocol for fellow researchers. Results: Results observed include the successful induction of anhedonia proven by Sucrose Preference Tests, Barbering effect and microhemorrhage of the adrenal glands. Simplified protocol showed superiority compared to the one found in literature. Conclusion: Simplified protocol showed higher efficiency and reduced amount of work during testing phase. Introduction of NMI as a new parameter during behavioral evaluation resulted in better standardization of measured SPT values that incorporates common knowledge of mammal physiology. A big developmental step was the introduction of the Normalised Mass Index to even out mass fluctuations and differences in basal metabolism, which we recommend to other researchers and institutions.