Scanning electron microscopy of odontogenic cyst epithelium

The epithelial lining of 8 odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), 9 radicular (RC) and 3 dentigerous cysts (DC) were examined in SEM in order to study the ultrastructural surface topography of the lumenal surface cells. The orthokeratinized OKC showed a reticular network of intercommunicating microridges surrounding micropits giving a honeycombed appearance to the entire surface. The deep surface of these cells was covered by a complementary array of short stubby microvilli. This pattern was identical to that described for oral epithelium in areas of masticatory mucosa. The parakeratinized OKC showed a complex pattern of microplications (MP) on both upper and deep cell surfaces. The non-keratinized linings of RC and DC revealed a similar MP pattern but of a less complex nature. The MP pattern of cells from para- and non-keratinized cysts was identical to that described for oral epithelial cells from lining mucosa. The surface ultrastructure of ciliated, mucus and brush cells occurring in RC was found to be indistinguishable from that described in the mammalian respiratory tract. The MP pattern forms part of the cellular interdigitation mechanisms in stratified squamous epithelium. Differences in the ultrastructural configuration are related to the type of epithelium in terms of keratinization rather than to protective functions.