Mast cells in gingivae of epileptic patients receiving epanutin

ABSTRACT

Twenty-five male patients, ranging in age from 14 to 24 years were divided into 10 epileptic patients receiving Epanutin for 10 months in association with local factors [plaque and calculus], 10 epileptic patients receiving Epanutin without local irritant factors, and 5 volunteers with chronic gingivitis and free from any systemic disease [control group]. Analysis of the results revealed that in the presence of local irritants, both gingival inflammation and enlargement were apparent, compared to the noninflamed gingival group with Epanutin therapy. As regards the mast cells, they decreased in number and were most commonly degranulated. In noninflamed gingival group of epileptic receiving Epanutin, the mast cells appeared typical in shape, no degranulation and the number was decreased as compared to control group. These findings were interpreted as a direct effect of Epanutin on gingival mast cells augmented by irritant factors with resultant degranulation and elaboration of active cytoplasmic components