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Apoptosis in oral lichen planus
E Neppelberg1, A C Johannessen, R Jonsson
1Institute of Odontology, Oral Pathology and Forensic Odontology, University of Bergen, Norway. Evelyn.Neppelberg@odont.uib.no
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|November 7, 2001
Summary
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is increased in oral lichen planus (OLP) epithelium. This process involves Fas receptor (FasR) and Fas ligand (FasL) proteins, particularly in basal cells.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition affecting oral mucosa.
- Basal cell destruction is a characteristic feature of OLP.
- Apoptosis may contribute to OLP pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate of apoptosis in OLP.
- To examine the expression of Fas receptor (FasR) and Fas ligand (FasL) in OLP.
- To correlate apoptosis with OLP histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological analysis of 18 OLP biopsies and normal oral mucosa.
- TUNEL assay for DNA fragmentation (apoptosis visualization).
- Immunohistochemistry for T cell markers (CD3, CD4, CD8) and FasR/FasL expression.
Main Results:
- T cells were the predominant infiltrating cells in OLP.
- Increased apoptotic cells were observed in the basal cell layer of OLP epithelium, especially in areas of degeneration.
- Prominent and uniform expression of FasR/FasL was noted in OLP inflammatory infiltrate and basal epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is significantly elevated in the epithelium of OLP compared to normal mucosa.
- Increased apoptosis in OLP appears linked to epithelial thickness and basal cell layer changes.
- FasR/FasL pathway is actively involved in OLP pathogenesis.