title: Quantification and localization of mast cells in periapical lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Periapical lesions occur in response to chronic irritation in periapical tissue, generally resulting from an infected root canal. Specific etiological agents of induction, participating cell population and growth factors associated with maintenance and resolution of periapical lesions are incompletely understood. Among the cells found in periapical lesions, mast cells have been implicated in the inflammatory mechanism.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Quantifications and the possible role played by mast cells in the periapical granuloma and radicular cyst. Hence, this study is to emphasize the presence (localization) and quantification of mast cells in periapical granuloma and radicular cyst.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 30 cases and out of which 15 of periapical granuloma and 15 radicular cyst, each along with the case details from the previously diagnosed cases in the department of oral pathology were selected for the study. The gender distribution showed male 8 (53.3%) and females 7 (46.7%) in periapical granuloma cases and male 10 (66.7%) and females 5 (33.3%) in radicular cyst cases. The statistical analysis used was unpaired t-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean mast cell count in periapical granuloma subepithelial and deeper connective tissue, was 12.40 (0.99%) and 7.13 (0.83%), respectively. The mean mast cell counts in subepithelial and deeper connective tissue of radicular cyst were 17.64 (1.59%) and 12.06 (1.33%) respectively, which was statistically significant. No statistical significant difference was noted among males and females.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mast cells were more in number in radicular cyst. Based on the concept that mast cells play a critical role in the induction of inflammation, it is logical to use therapeutic agents to alter mast cell function and secretion, to thwart inflammation at its earliest phases. These findings may suggest the possible role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions.
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, K M Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, India.
authors: V N
authors: VN
authors: Mahita
authors: Department of Dental Anatomy and Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Basic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Al-Hawiyah, Taif-21944, University of Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors: B S
authors: BS
authors: Manjunatha
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Index Institute of Dental Sciences Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Shah
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareily, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Astekar
authors: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Jodhpur Dental College and Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Purohit
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, K M Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, India.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Kovvuru
keywords: Mast cells; Periapical granuloma; Radicular cyst; Toluidine blue