Mast Cell Quantification in Orofacial Granulomatosis

Abstract

This study was to quantify mast cells (MC), their corresponding densities, surface areas and surface areas of their distribution in relation to oedema formation. Formalin fixed, wax embedded, oral tissue sections from 29 cases of OFG were reviewed retrospectively, using the image analysis system. The Mann Whitney test showed that the p value of MC densities was significant at 0.049 for the non-oedema versus oedema field. Similarly, the p value for the mast cell area densities was significant at 0.016 for the non-oedema versus the oedema fields. Total area of MC profiles was significantly less in oedematous areas. The study points to a possible association between mast cells and orofacial granulomatosis, as oedematous area usually associated with OFG showed less numbers of mast cells. This is probably due to degranulation, releasing mediators of inflammation, which is responsible for oedema formation. Further light needs to be shed on the subject as this might eventually lead to a change in the available treatment modalities, which are currently unsatisfactory.

NQJHM Vol. 13 (3-4) 2003: pp. 34-39