Mast cell-associated Renaut bodies in the peroneal nerve of a dog with a history of mastocytosis

Multiple Renaut bodies were identified by light microscopy in the biopsied common peroneal nerve of a dog with generalized neuropathy, hypothyroidism and a history of cutaneous mastocytosis. In addition, numerous granulated cells were associated with most of the Renaut bodies. Electron microscopic examination confirmed these to be mast cells, both central and peripheral to Renaut bodies, a phenomenon never previously reported. Endoneurial fibrosis, myelinated fiber loss, as well as evidence of axonal degeneration, demyelination and remyelination were observed. 'Vacuolation' of endoneurial fibroblasts was also present. The location of these Renaut bodies in the common peroneal nerve, and the absence of any documented or expected nerve compression, implicates other etiological factors. These observations are the first to report an association between mast cells and Renaut bodies. It is possible that mast cells, at least in this case, are involved in the formation of Renaut bodies.