Abstract

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN LEUKOPLAKIA AND ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS UNMASKED WITH THE HELP OF INCREASED NUMBER OF MAST CELL

Dr. Rohit Singh, Dr. Supriya Singh, Dr. Abhishek Kumar, Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Dr. Jazib Nazeer* and Dr. Vaibhav Kamal

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Oral leukoplakia and submucous fibrosis (OSMF) are the commonly occurring oral diseases, with characteristic clinical and histological features. 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 proinflammatory, immunoamplifying in action and producing mitogenic cytokines. 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 and submucous fibrosis. Materials and Methods: ten cases each of normal oral mucosa, oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis were studied for mast cell number using 1% Toluidine blue. Results: Increase in mast cell number were seen in both the above mentioned oral diseases, The mast cell number/sq.mm in oral leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis were; 59.50, 48.25 respectively. Conclusion: As compared to normal oral mucosa, increase in the mast cell number was noted in both conditions. Mast cell hyperplasia in oral leukoplakia and OSMF suggests their probable role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Keywords: Mast cells, oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis.