evaluation of mast cell count and microvessel density in reactive lesions of the oral cavity

abstract background and aims. reliable immunohistochemical assays to evaluate the definitive role of mast cells and angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of oral reactive lesions are generally not available. the purpose of the present study was to compare mast cell count (mcc) and microvessel density (mvd) between oral reactive lesions and evaluation of the correlation between mcc and mvd in these lesions. materials and methods. seventy-five cases of oral reactive lesions including fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and pyogenic granuloma (15 for each category) were immunohistochemically stained with mast cell tryptase and cd31. fifteen cases of normal oral mucosa were considered as control group. the mean mcc and mvd in superficial and deep connective tissues were assessed and a total mcc and mvd was computed for each lesion. results. statistically significant differences in mccs and mvds between the studied groups were observed (p<0.001). mc and cd31 expressions were increased in the superficial connective tissue of each lesion compared to the deep connective tissue. a significant positive correlation was not found between mcc and mvd in oral reactive lesions (p<0.001, r=-0.458). conclusion. although mcs were present in the reactive lesions of the oral cavity, we did not find a direct correlation between mast cell count and microvessel density in these lesions. therefore, a significant interaction between mast cells and endothelial cells and an active role for mast cells in the growth of oral reactive lesions was not found in this study.