Mean Number Of Mast Cells Research Articles

Assessment of the number of mast cells in the soft palate of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Oedema is described in the soft palate of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Activated mast cells (MCs) release vasoactive mediators that temporarily increase vascular permeability. Data and caudal soft palate tissue were prospectively collected from a population of dogs undergoing surgical management of BOAS and a control group of greyhound cadavers with no previous history of respiratory signs. Histological assessment was performed to quantify the number of MCs within the lamina propria of each group. The mean number of MCs in the BOAS group (53 MCs/10 400× high-power fields [HPF]; standard deviation [SD]=23) was significantly greater than that in the greyhound group (24 MCs/10 400×HPF; SD=10). The small size of the control group and the heterogeneous nature of the dogs in the BOAS group limit the generalisability of the findings. The use of different surgical techniques in the BOAS group may have also affected the degree of inflammation present within the samples. The cohort was not screened for concurrent disease processes that could potentially increase the number of circulating MCs. This study demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the numbers of MCs in the soft palate of brachycephalic dogs with clinically significant BOAS and the greyhound control group.

Quantification of mast cells in oral reactive lesions - an immunohistochemical study.

Reactive lesions (RLs) are the most common oral mucosal lesions that are benign in nature and are more likely to reoccur if the lesion or local irritants at the site are not completely removed. The histopathology is usually determined by the stage of the lesion, which includes neovascularization, inflammation, and fibrosis etc. Aim: To evaluate and compare mast cell counts in different reactive lesions with normal gingiva (NG) and to determine the correlation between mast cell count and inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis using immunohistochemistry. 10 pyogenic granulomas (early and late), 10 irritational fibromas, 5 inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, and 5 peripheral cemento-ossifying fibromas 5 normal gingiva were evaluated. Mast cell counts were compared. ANOVA and t-tests were used to analyze the data. Spearman correlation was used to compare the mast cell count to the inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular components. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean number of mast cells were increased in oral reactive lesions when compared to NG. Although mast cells were significantly higher in IFH and IF, there was no correlation found among mast cells and fibrosis/inflammation/vascularity. Reactive process involves multiple interactions among mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and other immune cells, among which the role of mast cells has been evaluated. Mast cell count increases in these reactive lesions, possibly reflecting an important role in microenvironment modification, but it is not the sole cause of these lesions' pathogenesis.

Quantity (Number) and Quality (Morphology) Comparison of Mast Cells in Healthy and Diseased Gingiva

Introduction: Comprehending the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis is helpful in the prevention of this disease. Since there are conflicting results regarding the role of mast cells in periodontitis, the aim of this study was to compare mast cell counts and morphology in periodontitis with clinically healthy gingiva.
 Materials and Methods: This cross sectional case-control study was performed on 36 gingival samples (obtained from 14 patients with chronic periodontitis and 22 cases with clinically healthy gingiva among those referred to a specialized medical center in 2013. Toluidine blue and hematoxylin -eosin staining was used to identify mast cells. The total number of mast cells (intact and degranulated) was counted under the light microscope in 5 consecutive high power fields (10×40) with no overlap. Data were recorded and analyzed statistically by SPSS 22 and Independent T-test. All of the data with a statistical significance (p value < 0.05) were analyzed.
 Results: According to Independent t-test, mean number of degranulated mast cells in periodontitis group was 17.78 and in healthy gingiva group was 29.72 which was not statistically significant(p value = 0.071). Mean number of mast cells in periodontitis group was 20.57 and in healthy gingiva was 36.54 and was statistically significant (p value = 0.042). Mast cell degranulation proportion in periodontitis group was 0.857 and in healthy gingiva group was 0.866, not statistically significant (p value = 0.891).
 Conclusion: According to results of present study it can be concluded that total number of mast cells and proportion of degranulated mast cell to the total number showed no significant relationship but the total number of mast cell was significantly increased in healthy group.

Interplay of collagen and mast cells in periapical granulomas and periapical cysts: a comparative polarizing microscopic and immunohistochemical study.

ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to establish the interrelationship between collagen and mast cells in periapical granulomas and periapical cysts.Materials and MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted on the paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 68 specimens (34 periapical granulomas and 34 periapical cysts). The specimens were stained with picrosirius to observe collagen fiber birefringence and anti-tryptase antibody to evaluate the mast cell count immunohistochemically. The mean number and birefringence of collagen fibers, as well as the mean number of mast cells (total, granulated, and degranulated), and the mean inflammatory cell density were calculated. The data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe mean number of thick collagen fibers was higher in periapical cysts, while that of thin fibers was higher in granulomas (p = 0.00). Cysts emitted orange-yellow to red birefringence, whereas periapical granulomas had predominantly green fibers (p = 0.00). The mean inflammatory cell density was comparable in all groups (p = 0.129). The number of total, degranulated, and granulated mast cells exhibited significant results (p = 0.00) in both groups. Thick cyst fibers showed significant inverse correlations with inflammation and degranulated mast cells (p = 0.041, 0.04 respectively).ConclusionsMast cells and inflammatory cells influenced the nature of collagen fiber formation and its birefringence. This finding may assist in the prediction of the nature, pathogenesis, and biological behavior of periapical lesions.

Differences in Duodenal Mast Cell and Eosinophil Counts Between Patients With Functional Dyspepsia and Healthy People.

BACKGROUND Functional dyspepsia is a common, troubling, and usually chronic disorder. Although the merit of using pathological assays has not been confirmed, medications affecting eosinophils may result in some improvements. Disseminated distribution of mast cells may also be an essential factor. Given the probable associations and lack of evidenced-based data, this study was conducted to comparatively investigate the number of eosinophils and mast cells in the duodenum in functional dyspepsia patients and healthy controls. METHODS In this case-control study, 150 consecutive subjects in Kerman, Iran, were enrolled in 2015 and 2016; the subjects consisted of 100 patients with functional dyspepsia and 50 asymptomatic healthy controls. Samples from the two groups were compared for the number of eosinophils, mast cells, and Helicobacter pylori presence by grasp biopsy. RESULTS The mean number of mast cells significantly differed between the groups (P = 0.001), but the eosinophil count was similar (p > 0.05). Female gender, no opioid use, and H. pylori may increase mast cell count (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Overall, the mast cell count was significantly different between people with functional dyspepsia and people without it, but the eosinophil count in the two groups was similar.

Mast Cell Numbers in Primary Eosinophilic Colitis are Significantly Higher than in Secondary Tissue Eosinophilia and Normal Control: a Possible Link to Pathogenesis.

Primary Eosinophilic Colitis (PEC) is one of the rare eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most common and best-understood disease in this category. Activated mast cells (MCs) have a role to play in the tissue damage in EE. It is not known if PEC shares this mechanism. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the number of MCs in PEC and to compare them with cases of secondary colonic tissue eosinophilia (TE) and normal colon. The study included 19 PEC cases, 47 cases of secondary tissue eosinophilia and 50 normal colon tissues. Histopathological slides of all cases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and count the number of eosinophils. Glass slides for all cases were stained for C-kit (CD117) to highlight and count the MCs. The mean number of the MCs in normal controls was 9.7 MCs per HPF (SD= 4.6). The mean number of MCs in the PEC cases was 26.5 (SD=7.1) which was significantly higher than the normal counts (p-value <0.000). The mean number of MCs in the secondary TE group was 18.0 (SD=7.1), which was significantly higher than normal controls; p-value <0.000. Comparing MC counts in PEC and secondary TE also revealed a significant difference with a p-value of < 0.000. MCs in PEC are significantly higher than those in secondary TE and normal controls. This suggests the role of the MCs in the pathogenesis of Primary Eosinophilic Colitis.

A histological study for the possible therapeutic effect of stem cells in methotrexate induced small intestinal injury in a male rat model

Abstract: -Background and objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is an antirheumatic and chemotherapeutic agent with highly adverse effect on gastrointestinal tract. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) can exert a therapeutic action by regenerative capacity in intestinal damage. This study was done to demonstrate the possible therapeutic effect of MSCs in methotrexate induced intestinal injury in adult male albino rat.Methods and results: Male albino rats were used in this study. Group A (Control group), subgroup A-I rats received saline for 2 weeks and subgroup A-II received saline for 2 weeks then phosphate buffer saline once intraperitoneal (IP). Group B rats received MTX (14 mg/kg/week) intraperitoneal (IP) for 2 weeks. Group C, rats received MTX (14 mg/kg/week) intraperitoneal (IP) for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, they were injected IP with MSCs (2 × 106 cells in 500 𝜇L PBS once). Groups AI&B were anaesthetized and sacrificed after 2 weeks while groups AII&C were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from the tail vein to measure myeloperoxidase (MPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Small intestinal specimens were obtained for evaluation by light microscopy. CD4+, and CD8+ immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis were applied. Significant increase in MPO and significant decrease in VEGF were reported in Group B. MTX induced pathological alterations in small intestinal tissues, mean number of mast cells and goblet cells associated with increased CD4+ and CD8+ immunoexpression. Nearly all changes were ameliorated following MSCs therapyConclusion: MSCs have significant effect in repairing the deleterious action of MTX in small intestinal tissues.

Grape Seed and Physalis Extracts as Anti- Inflammatory Agents in Cetuximab Induced Tongue Mucositis in Rats

Background: Oral mucositis induced by cancer therapy alters cancer patient’s life. Nutraceuticals these days is for their various activities which could neutralize the toxicity induced by cancer treatment. Purpose: Comparision between the effect of grape seed and fruits of Physalis peruviana methanol extract in reduction of mucositis induced by Cetuximab drug. Study Design: Animal study. Methods: 60 male rats divided into 6 groups as 10 in each group. Control group of rats with no intervention given. The other 5 groups were given Cetuximab drug alone or with grape seed extract (simultaneously or 1 week before Cetuximab drug) or Physalis extract (simultanously or 1 week before Cetuximab drug). After sacrifice, tongue was dissected and tissue preparation was done for all samples. Digital counting was done by image analyzer computer system for (a) filliform papillae in H&E stained sections, (b) mast cells in mast cell tryptase stained sections to assess inflammation. The area percent for bax immune-expression in other immune stained sections were also measured done to assess apoptosis. Results: The difference between the groups was assessed for statistical significance (P<0.0001) by ANOVA test. The greatest mean number of filiform papillae was recorded in control group I. Greatest mean number of mast cells and the greatest mean area percent of bax immune expression were recorded in group II. Conclusion: Grape seed extract and Physalis extract could neutralize the harmful effect of cancer therapy. Physalis extract had more potent effect in reducing the inflammation induced by Cetuximab drug.

A Concept Suggestion on the Effect of Cigarette Smoking in Inflammatory Destruction of Gingiva.

Dear Editor, Cigarette smoking has destructive effect on periodontal tissue. The rates of loss of periodontal attachment and recession of gingival are higher in smokers than non-smokers (1-2). Previous studies on the inflammatory immune responses in smokers’ periodontitis have mainly focused on the role of neutrophils. Tumor necrosis factor–α, prostaglandin E2 and matrix metalloproteinase-8 have been shown to rise in smokers with periodontitis (3-4). Different functions of mast cells and eosinophils in inflammatory immune responses make them distinctive cells in disease pathogenesis (5-6). In an investigation, our team examined the effect of smoking on mast cells density in chronic periodontitis. The study showed that the mean number of mast cells in smokers was significantly lower compared to the non-smokers. Based on the literature, no research was found regarding the effect of cigarette smoking on eosinophil cells in human periodontitis. Eosinophils and mast cells regulate the hypersensitivity reactions by affecting each other function (5). Thus, in the next study, we examined this issue on the same samples. The results revealed that the number of eosinophil count in smokers was significantly lower than non-smokers. Considering the findings of both studies on decreased number of mast cells and eosinophils in the same samples, it seems that cigarette smoke had an apoptotic function on extra-vascular immune inflammatory related cells in human periodontitis. According to our opinion, with the death of mast cells and eosinophils, a cascade of different events occurs in the microenvironment of gingiva which causes more tissue damage in the smokers. The apoptotic effect of cigarette smoke on gingival connective tissue must be studied in the enzymatic level.The Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Carbon Monoxide (CO) system demand to explain the pathogenesis of diseases by using the basic metabolism and enzymatic activities. HO-1 has a regulatory action on inflammatory signaling programs. CO is an end-product of HO-1. CO affects the apoptosis and cellular inflammation by modulating the inflammatory related cytokines. Modulating the HO-1 and application of CO-releasing molecules are new therapeutic strategies in inflammatory diseases (7). Based on our previous findings, we suggest that further study on HO-1/CO can probably determine the effect of cigarette smoke on inflammatory immune cells in human chronic periodontitis. The system can be potentially considered as a therapeutic target in inflammatory disease of periodontium in cigarette smokers. Conflict of Interest The authors declared no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

The Effect of Smoking on Mast Cells Density and Angiogenesis in Chronic Periodontitis

Gingival bleeding reduction in smokers has been associated with decreased blood vessel density. The mechanism of suppressive effect of cigarette smoking on blood vessel density is not precisely defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on angiogenesis by assessing mast cells density and VEGF expression in chronic periodontitis. 52 paraffin embedded block of gingiva tissues with periodontitis obtained from 30 nonsmokers and 22 smokers undergoing flap surgery were examined immunohistochemically for VEGF expression. Mast cell counts was completed on toluidine blue stained slides. Exposure to cigarette smoking was calculated by the number of packs × year. Patients were classified into 4 groups based on the number of smoked cigarettes. The correlation between VEGF expression and mast cell counts was evaluated and compared in nonsmokers and smokers. The mean number of mast cells (p=0.004) and average value of VEGF expression (p = 0.000) in nonsmokers was significantly higher than smokers. No correlation was noted between VEGF expression / mast cell counts and number of smoked cigarettes in four groups of smokers (p=0.29,0.12 , 0.20 and 0.11, respectively). Mast cells and VEGF expression may account for suppressive effect of cigarette smoking on blood vessels in periodontitis.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Mast Cells in Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

More than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas with oral leukoplakia being the most common potentially malignant disorder. Among the cell types in the stroma, mast cells play an important role in tumourigenesis through various mechanisms. The present study was aimed at comparing the mast cell count among normal oral mucosa, leukoplakia and Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) and to evaluate the possible role of mast cells in carcinogenesis. Mast cell count was assessed immunohistochemically using anti-mast cell tryptase amongst 20 cases of leukoplakia and OSSC each and 10 normal gingival samples. Overall comparison was done using Kruskal Wallis test and intergroup comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U test. The results of the present study showed an increase in mast cell count from normal oral mucosa (Mean: 7.73) to leukoplakia (Mean: 15.11) to squamous cell carcinoma (Mean: 22.73). Comparison of mean number of mast cells amongst three groups (p-value: 0.001) and intergroup comparisons showed statistical significance. Mast cells favour malignant transformation and can be used as indicators of disease progression.

Topical cathelicidin (LL-37) an innate immune peptide induces acute olfactory epithelium inflammation in a mouse model.

Cathelicidin (LL-37) is an endogenous innate immune peptide that is elevated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The role of LL-37 in olfactory epithelium (OE) inflammation remains unknown. We hypothesized that: (1) LL-37 topically delivered would elicit profound OE inflammation; and (2) LL-37 induced inflammation is associated with increased infiltration of neutrophils and mast cells. To test our hypothesis we challenged C57BL/6 mice intranasally with increasing concentrations of LL-37. At 24 hours tissues were examined histologically and scored for inflammatory cell infiltrate, edema, and secretory hyperplasia. In separate experiments, fluorescently conjugated LL-37 was instilled and tissues were examined at 0.5 and 24 hours. To test our last hypothesis, we performed tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) assays for neutrophil activity and immunohistochemistry for tryptase to determine the mean number of mast cells per mm(2) . LL-37 caused increased inflammatory cell infiltrate, edema, and secretory cell hyperplasia of the sinonasal mucosa, with higher LL-37 concentrations yielding significantly more inflammatory changes (p < 0.01). Fluorescent LL-37 demonstrated global sinonasal epithelial binding and tissue distribution. Further, higher concentrations of LL-37 led to significantly greater MPO levels with dose-dependent increases in mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01). LL-37 has dramatic inflammatory effects in the OE mucosa that is dose-dependent. The observed inflammatory changes in the olfactory mucosa were associated with the infiltration of both neutrophils and mast cells. Our biologic model represents a new model to further investigate the role of LL-37 in OE inflammation.

AB0041 Number of Mast Cell Are Higher in End Stage Knee Osteoarthritis

BackgroundMast cells could be important in osteoarthritis (OA), as it is the only type of immune cell whose numbers were shown to be as high or sometimes higher compared to...

Distribution of Mast Cells and Macrophages and Expression of Interleukin-6 in Periapical Cysts

IntroductionMast cells and macrophages are important components of the inflammatory infiltrate found in inflammatory periapical diseases. Several cytokines participate in the mechanisms of inflammation, tissue repair, and bone resorption associated with periapical cysts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of mast cells and macrophages and the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in periapical cysts. MethodsThirty periapical cysts were selected for the study, and clinical, demographic, and gross information from the cases was obtained from the laboratory records. Five-micrometer sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin were reviewed for analysis of the microscopic features of the cysts, and 3-μm sections on silanized slides were used for immunohistochemical reactions with anti-tryptase, anti-CD68, and anti–IL-6. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of mast cells and macrophages when comparing superficial and deep regions of the fibrous capsule of the cysts. Mean number of mast cells on the superficial region of the fibrous capsule was higher in cysts showing intense superficial inflammation and exocytosis. Macrophages were more commonly found in areas showing IL-6 expression, and IL-6 was less expressed in deep regions of the fibrous capsule in cysts showing greater gross volume. ConclusionsThe results reinforced the participation of mast cells and macrophages in the pathogenesis of periapical cysts and suggested that IL-6 is not the major bone resorption mediator in larger periapical cysts.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Mast Cells Using c-Kit in Various Grades of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high risk precancerous condition characterized by changes in the connective tissue fibers of lamina propria and deeper parts of mucosa. Mast cells are local residents of connective tissue and have been identified to participate in fibrotic process. These cells produce pharmacologically active substances necessary for the physiological function of our body in response to various stimuli as and when required and also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases. Ten healthy volunteers and 30 clinically diagnosed OSF cases with histopathological confirmation were included in the study. Immunohistochemical (c-kit) as well as acidified toluidine blue staining techniques were used to evaluate density and expression of mast cells. The mast cell density assessed using c-kit and toluidine blue showed significant difference in various stages of OSF. In general the mean number of mast cells obtained using c-kit was found to be more than that obtained using toluidine blue in various stages of OSF. The comparison of mast cell densities using immunohistochemistry (c-kit) and toluidine blue stain confirmed that c-kit is a more reliable technique to assess mast cell density in OSF.

Physiological Relevance of LL-37 Induced Bladder Inflammation and Mast Cells

We established the physiological relevance of LL-37 induced bladder inflammation. We hypothesized that 1) human urinary LL-37 is increased in pediatric patients with spina bifida, 2) LL-37 induced inflammation occurs in our mouse model via urothelial binding and is dose dependent and 3) LL-37 induced inflammation involves mast cells. To test our first hypothesis, we obtained urine samples from 56 pediatric patients with spina bifida and 22 normal patients. LL-37 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our second hypothesis was tested in C57Bl/6 mice challenged with 7 LL-37 concentrations intravesically for 1 hour. At 24 hours tissues were examined histologically and myeloperoxidase assay was done to quantitate inflammation. In separate experiments fluorescent LL-37 was instilled and tissues were obtained immediately (time = 0) and at 24hours (time = 24). To test our final hypothesis, we performed immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase and evaluated 5 high power fields per bladder to determine the mean number of mast cells per mm(2). Urinary LL-37 was 89-fold higher in patients with spina bifida. Mouse LL-37 dose escalation experiments revealed increased inflammation at higher LL-37 concentrations. Fluorescent LL-37 demonstrated global urothelial binding at time = 0 but was not visible at time = 24. Immunohistochemistry for tryptase revealed mast cell infiltration in all tissue layers. At higher concentrations the LL-37 challenge led to significantly greater mast cell infiltration. Urinary LL-37 was significantly increased in pediatric patients with spina bifida. To our knowledge we report for the first time that LL-37 can elicit profound, dose dependent bladder inflammation involving the urothelium. Finally, inflammation propagation involves mast cells.

Augmented mast cell infiltration and microvessel density in prostate cancer

Aim of the studyRecent investigations have taken into account the role of mast cells in prostate cancer formation, analyzing their dual functions (as tumour growth promoters and tumour growth inhibitors). The aim of our study was to compare mast cell infiltration and microvessel density in prostate cancer and in benign prostate hyperplasia. We also attempted to find possible relationships among mast cell infiltration and microvessel density, Gleason score, as well as serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).Material and methodsThe investigation was confined to evaluations of material from prostate needle biopsies, carried out in 26 patients with prostate cancer, and of 14 specimens diagnosed as benign hyperplasia. The numbers of tryptase positive mast cells and CD34 positive vessels were determined using a computer image analysis system. In the patients with prostate cancer, both mast cell infiltrates and microvessel density were significantly increased, as compared to the control patients.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were identified between the mean numbers of mast cells and microvessel densities, both in the prostate cancer group and in the control group. Moreover, significant positive correlations were observed between Gleason score on one hand and the number of mast cells and microvessel density on the other. The correlations between PSA serum levels and both mast cell infiltration and microvessel density were positive, but not in a statistically significant way.ConclusionsThe reported investigations may support the assumption of mast cell promoter function in prostate cancer development, whereas no evidence was found for their opposite

Histophatologic changes of lung in asthmatic male rats treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of Plantago major and theophylline.

Plantago major (P. major) is one of the medicinal crops in the world which has therapeutic properties for treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Theophylline is commonly used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of P. major on lung in asthmatic male rats. 32 male adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: The control group (C) received normal saline; Asthma (A) group received a normal diet; Asthma group treated with Theophylline (200 mg/kg b.w.) (T); Asthma group which received p.major (100 mg/kg b.w.) (P). Asthma was induced by citric acid, 0.1 mg in form of spraying. The injection of P.major extract and theophylline was administered intraperitoneally for four weeks. At the end of the treatment, all of the rats were sacrificed and lungs were taken out, fixed, and stained with H&E, toluidine blue, and PAS, then histological studies were followed with light microscope. RESULTS showed that, in asthmatic group, the mean number of mast cells was significantly increased (p<0.05). Thickness of alveolar epithelium and accumulation of glycoprotein in airways was increased. Moreover, in some of alveolar sac hemorrhaging was observed. Administration of p.major extract in asthmatic rats restored these changes towards normal group. The present study revealed that P. major compared with theophylline, has a protective effect on lung in asthmatic rats.

Evaluation of mast cells in periapical cysts, dentigerous cysts, and keratocystic odontogenic tumors

Several cell types are associated with the development of cystic and tumoral odontogenic lesions. Among inflammatory cells, mast cells can be associated with their pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze mast cells in periapical cysts, dentigerous cysts, and keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Tissue sections were submitted to toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry with antibody anti-tryptase (clone G3). Mast cells were quantitated using Image-Pro Plus software to obtain the mean number of mast cells in three regions: epithelial, superficial portion of the fibrous wall and deep portion of the fibrous wall from 20 periapical cysts, 20 dentigerous cysts (six non-inflamed and 14 inflamed) and 20 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (four non-inflamed and 16 inflamed). The mean number of mast cells detected per lesion by immunohistochemistry (4.1) was higher than by histochemistry (1.5) (P<0.0001). Inflamed dentigerous cysts and keratocystic odontogenic tumors showed a higher mean number of mast cells than non-inflamed lesions in all regions. The deep region from all cysts showed the highest mean number of degranulated mast cells, except for non-inflamed keratocystic odontogenic tumors analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining detected higher number of mast cells than histochemistry. The higher number of mast cells observed in inflamed lesions could indicate the participation of these cells in the inflammatory response in odontogenic lesions. The prevalence of degranulated mast cells in the deep region suggests intense activity of these cells, possibly related to growth of cystic lesions.

The relationship between the stromal mast cell number, microvessel density, c-erbb-2 staining and survival and prognostic factors in colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinomas take second place among the causes of death from carcinoma, and account for 98% of colorectal carcinomas. There is a need to determine new prognostic factors because of high frequency and significance. 204 colorectal carcinomas diagnosed between 01.01.2005 - 31.12.2008 at Uludağ University Medical Faculty Pathology Department were studied for Factor VIII and c-erbB-2 immunohistochemically and with toluidine blue stain histochemically. Association of mast cell number, microvessel density, and c-erbB-2 staining pattern with survival and known prognostic factors was evaluated. Follow-up period was 4-60 months. A total of 111 cases were alive, and 65 had died. The mean number of mast cells was 8.00 (1-21) and the mean density of microvessels was 10.00 (2-21). Five-year survival rate of the mast cell group was 48.3% for values under 10 and 57.9% for values of 10 and higher. Five-year survival rate was 58.2% in the group with a microvessel density of 10 and above and 45.9% for values under 10. Five-year survival rate was 53.9% for the group with c-erbB-2 cytoplasmic staining and 48.2% for the group with membranous staining. The grade increased with the number of mast cells, while survival decreased with an increase in the number of mast cells. The ratio of c-erbB-2 staining increased as the grade and stage increased. There was an association between mast cell number and microvessel density. We found no relationship between prognosis and c-erbB-2, mast cell number, and microvessel density.