A Histochemical Comparison of Feulgen and Papanicolaou Stains in Demonstrating Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Human Buccal Mucosa Cells

Background: Different histochemical stains have been applied to demonstrate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cigarette smoking on cells. Feulgen Papanicolaou were most popular nuclear abnormalities. The aim this study was compare in demonstrating exfoliated oral mucosa Methods: A total 31 smokers 15 non-smokers included case-control study. Using a wooden spatula, two samples taken from each participant. left buccal stained with right Papanicolaou. mean number micronuclei cells pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyolysis determined Papanicolaou-stained slides. counted 1000 cells/subject recorded. by per subject. Results: not significantly different between (P=0.27). Demonstration (P=0.73) karyorrhexis (P=0.24) staining methods. more effective pyknosis compared (P=0.02). Conclusions: had similar effectiveness DNA alterations (micronucleus) cellular death features (karyorrhexis karyolysis). preferable display than