Distribution of mast cells in human gingivae during continuous anticoagulation therapy

Distribution of mast cells in human gingivae was studied during continuous anticoagulation therapy. A group of 20 male patients ranged in age from 32-54 years; and with various thromboembolic disorders were selected for the study. A control group of similar age, sex, number and in a good general health; were also selected as a participants for the study. The tested group was under a continuous long-term anticoagulation therapy for different durations. Their prothrombin time was monitored before dental procedures. Both groups were periodontally treated by local measurements; and gingival biopsies were obtained two weeks after treatment. Hemostasis was obtained for the tested group by local measurements. Gingival sections were stained by toluidine blue and counting of mast cells was also performed. For the tested group, there was a decrease in mast cell numbers as compared to the control group. The decline in mast cell numbers was proved to be in a therapeutic duration dependant fashion. Consequently, the therapeutically antico-agulated patients might have a decreased content of heparin within their gingival tissues. Added to the anticoagulant activity of heparin; their gingival tissues could also be deprived of other biologic activities of heparin; such as its inhibitory effect on the lymphocyte response. Furthermore, the decreased number of mast cells could also affect the functions of the important mediators released by those cells. These mediators are of vital significance for the integrity of gingival tissues

Glycogen content in regenerated epithelium following cryosurgery on oral erosive lichen planus

Fifteen oral lesions of erosive lichen planus were treated by cryosurgery. In each case a small residual area of the lesion adjoining the treated areas was deliberately left untreated and was removed surgically 2-4 months following completion of treatment. Biopsy specimens were examined after staining with hematoxylin-eosin and with best's carmin. The presence and intensity of glycogen were re-corded and compared between the treated and nontreated areas of each specimen. Treated areas were clinically normal 1-2 months after treatment. The epithelium which was initially hyperkeratinized with or without dysplasia and which entirely or almost entirely lacked glycogen, reverted to the non-keratinizing or parakeratinizing form without dysplasia. The Content and distribution of glycogen in the stratum spinosum of the regenerated epithelium were similar to those described in normal oral epithelium. The observations in the present study indicated true healing of the epithelium with elimination of dysplastic features occurred after cryosurgery

Inhibition of gingival fibroblasts proliferation in patients with juvenile periodontitis

Inhibition of gingival fibroblasts proliferation in vitro was investigated in patients with juvenile periodontitis. Twenty patients of both sexes, ranging in ago from 18-22 years and suffering from juvenile periodontitis; were selected to share in this study. A control group of similar number, age sex and with clinically healthy gingivae was also selected to participate in the study. For all patients, gingival biopsies were obtained and tissue cultures were accomplished for gingival fibroblasts. Subgingival dental plaque was collected from juvenile periodontitis patients; for the isolation and preparation of different strains of Aa sonicates. Different dilutions of Aa soni-cates were added to gingival fibroblasts cultures of both groups for cytotoxicity testing. Detachment of gingival fibroblasts were also tested; and proved not to be a precise method of assessing cytotoxicity. Aa-sonicates of different strains contained a heat stable cytotoxic components which inhibited proliferation of gingival fibroblasts in a dose-dependent fashion; as measured by cell viability. The inhibition was increasingly apparent in juvenile periodontitis group as compared to contral group. It could be concluded that, the high prevalence of Aa in the subgingival plaque of juvenile periodontogic agent in this entity of periodontal disease. Moreover, in juvenile periodontitis; inhibition of gingival fibroblasts proliferation with release of cytotoxic components was apparently detrimental in bing confined to Aa

Gingival condition associated with fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances

A clinical study was made on gingival conditions of sixty subjects divided into 3 equal groups and treated with fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. The third group comprised the controls. The follow-up period extended up to 18 months; of which 14 months for treatment and 4 months after removal of appliances. Repeated motivation and instructions in toothbrushing was given, and emphasis was directed toward the gingival areas. The results demonstrated that, in-spite of good cleaning with low P.I. scores, most subjects developed generalized moderate hyperplastic gingivitis with-in one to two months after placement of appliances. These changes persisted throughout the period of active treatment with slight increase at subsequent visits. The interproximal areas were constantly more affected than the buccal areas. Similar but less evident changes was observed in subjects with removable appliances. The main improvements in gingival health occurred during the first month after appliances removal. The reduction in pocket depths after treatment was due mainly to shrin-kage of hyperplastic gingivae. Nearly parallel results were observed among the control subjects. Hence, the gingival changes were transient and no permanent damage to the periodontal tissues could be demonstrated with the methods used

Histopathologic investigation of minor salivary glands in iron deficiency anaemia

Labial minor salivary glands were investigated in 17 patients of both sexes suffering from iron deficiency anaemia; and 17 age and sex matched healthy subjects. The most pronounced changes were demonstrated in iron deficiency anaemia; where there was a significant decrease in the size of the maturation compartment cells which was due to reduced cyto-plasmic volume. Increased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio was also observed. Tubular metaplasia with progressive acinar atrophy was also noted and induced reduction of salivary function. The observable qualitative changes in minor salivary glands could be-postulated as a warning signal for premalignancy in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. The histologic data of minor salivary gland involvement could be used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis in iron deficient patients