ABSTRACT
Recent attention has been directed towards the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. Mast cells are responsible for trafficking of inflammatory cells into the connective tissue that in turn helps in progression and maintenance of the chronicity of oral lichen planus. In the present study we have evaluated the mast cell count and its cell types using toluidine blue stain, in oral lichen planus and compared it with oral lichenoid reactions. We have observed an increase in mast cell count in both these conditions in comparison to normal mucosa. Also, a significant difference in the types of mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reactions has been noted, possibly suggesting that the role of mast cell is different in these conditions.
Subject(s)
Cell Count , Cell Degranulation/physiology , Cell Nucleus/ultrastructure , Chronic Disease , Coloring Agents/diagnosis , Connective Tissue/pathology , Cytoplasmic Granules/ultrastructure , Disease Progression , Humans , Lichen Planus, Oral/pathology , Lichenoid Eruptions/pathology , Mast Cells/classification , Mouth Mucosa/pathology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Tolonium Chloride/diagnosisABSTRACT
Oral lichen is a mucocutaneous disorder, which presents a confusing array of patterns and forms. Despite the reported differences between the classical lichen planus and lichenoid reaction, several reports have concurred with this lack of distinguishing features. As of yet there is no specific test for lichenoid reaction, although resolution and recurrence of lichenoid reaction on withdrawal and exposure to the drug is probably diagnostic. Thus when the clinical and histopathologic evaluation cannot confirm the diagnosis satisfactorily, the use of immunofluorescent examination is of great importance. Early diagnoses of these conditions are more likely with adjunctive use of immunofluorescent examination. Further, this tool may provide an insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders.