Anitschkow nuclear changes observed in oral smears.

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Cellular morphology
• Cytology

Background:

• The oral cavity harbors diverse cell types, including squamous epithelial cells.
• Anitschkow myocytes are typically found in cardiac tissue and are characterized by specific nuclear features.
• Unusual cellular morphologies in oral smears may indicate underlying pathological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the presence of squamous epithelial cells with nuclear characteristics similar to Anitschkow myocytes in oral cavity smears.
• To investigate the association of these specific cells with oral conditions, such as aphthous ulcers.

Main Methods:

• Collection of exfoliative cytologic smears from the oral cavity, specifically from the labial fold of the lower lip.
• Morphological examination of the collected cells, focusing on nuclear characteristics.
• Correlation of cell presence and abundance with clinical findings, including the presence of active aphthous ulcers.

Main Results:

• Squamous epithelial cells exhibiting nuclear features reminiscent of Anitschkow myocytes were identified in oral cavity smears.
• These cells were predominantly found in scrapings from the lower lip's labial fold area.
• A notable abundance of these cells was observed in individuals with active aphthous ulcers.

Conclusions:

• The identification of Anitschkow myocyte-like cells in oral squamous epithelium suggests a potential cellular response or adaptation in the oral cavity.
• The association with active aphthous ulcers warrants further investigation into the role or significance of these cells in oral inflammation or ulceration.
• Ongoing electron microscopic studies aim to further elucidate the ultrastructural details of these unique oral cells.