Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Mast Cells in Oral Lichen Planus and Its Effect on Basement Membrane Using Special Stains

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is characterized histologically by epithelial basal cell destruction and a dense subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. Mast cells (MCs) play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease causing changes in the basement membrane (BM). BM is seen as continuous or fragmented, distinct or indistinct, and afibrillar or fibrillar extensions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was done to demonstrate the BM using acriflavine stain in addition to hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) stain. An attempt was also made to study MC using Azure A stain and assess the degree of changes in the thickness of BM associated with degranulated MC in patients with OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 paraffin-embedded tissue sections which included 30 inflamed gingival mucosa (IGM) and 36 OLP were stained with H-E stain, Azure A, and fluorescent periodic acid–acriflavine stain. RESULTS: MC density was higher in OLP when compared with MC in IGM. Degranulated MCs were found in abundance in OLP. Thickness of BM was significantly less in OLP when compared with IGM. Significant fragmentation was seen in OLP when compared with BM of IGM. CONCLUSION: Degranulated MC in OLP may or may not alter the quality of BM but definitely seems to influence the thickness of the BM both directly and indirectly.