World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

INCREASED MAST CELLS NUMBER IN LEUKOPLAKIA, ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA SUGGESTIVE OF THEIR PRO-INFLAMMATORY ACTION

Dr. Rohit Singh*, Dr. Supriya Singh, Dr. Jazib Nazeer, Dr. Abhishek Kumar, Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Dr. Uday Raj

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are the commonly occurring oral diseases. These diseases at some stage are associated with chronic inflammation in adjacent connective tissue. Mast cells are the local residents of the connective tissue, and are said to be pro-inflammatory and immunoamplifying in action. These functions of mast cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of other oral diseases. Aims: This study was done to histologically evaluate the number of mast cells in tissue sections of oral leukoplakia, lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: ten cases each of normal oral mucosa, oral leukoplakia, lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma were studied for mast cell number using 1% Toluidine blue. Results: Increase in mast cell number was seen in all the above mentioned oral diseases, with the highest mast cell count obtained in oral lichen planus. The mast cell number/sq.mm in oral leukoplakia, lichen planus, squamous cell carcinoma were; 59.50, 59.75 and 56.75 respectively. Conclusion: As compared to normal oral mucosa, increase in the mast cell number was noted in all the four conditions. Mast cell hyperplasia in oral leukoplakia, OLP, OSCC suggests their probable role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

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