Role of mast cells in aetiopathogenesis of radicular cyst

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse distribution of mast cells in different zones in the capsule of radicular cyst and to determine its role in mechanism of cystic expansion. Materials and Methods: 20 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block from the diagnosed cases of radicular cyst were included and was cut into 5mm thickness. The staining of the tissue sections was done using freshly prepared Toluidine blue solution and mounted using DPX. The mast cell counting was carried out under 20 X magnifications in randomly selected 10 areas and the sections was divided into three zones; Subepithelial, Intermediate and Deep. Result: Mast cells were found to be higher in the Intermediate zone (7.65%) followed by the Subepithelial (13.35%) and Deep zone(6.05%). Kruskal-Wallis test was applied which showed, no significant difference was found between the zones with respect to the mast cells (P>0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed increased activity of mast cell in the intermediate zone indicating breakdown of capsular extracellular matrix in the subepithelial layer as well as enhancing increased osteoclastic activity in the deeper areas thereby leading to the cystic enlargement. Keywords: Mast cells, Radicular cyst, Toluidine blue.