Mast cell count in oral reactive lesions: A histochemical study

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Histopathology
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• Mast cells are implicated in inflammatory processes.
• Reactive hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity exhibit varying degrees of inflammation.
• Understanding mast cell presence may elucidate lesion development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify mast cells in oral reactive hyperplastic lesions.
• Compare mast cell counts to normal gingival tissue.
• Correlate mast cell presence with connective tissue changes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 10-year patient records (2001-2010).
• Analysis of focal fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and peripheral giant cell granuloma.
• Toluidine blue staining for mast cell enumeration and statistical analysis (ANOVA-F, t-test).

Main Results:

• Mast cell counts were highest in peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) and fibrous hyperplasia (FH).
• Pyogenic granuloma (PG) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) showed lower mast cell counts.
• Significant differences in mast cell counts were observed between lesion types and normal gingiva.

Conclusions:

• Elevated mast cell numbers in POF and FH indicate a role in chronic inflammation.
• Mast cell activation may contribute to fibrosis via increased collagen synthesis.
• Findings suggest mast cells are key players in the pathogenesis of these oral lesions.