The compare number of mast cells in biopsy specimens of patients with erosive & non- erosive lichen planus

Abstract

The lichen planus is a relatively common dermatologic_mucosal disease which ofen affectsthe oral mucosa. Oral lichen planus has erosive and non-erosive types. Infiltration of immune cells in lichen planus lesions is seen in the epithelium and connective tissue interface.The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of mast cells in erosive and non- erosive lichen planus. Methods and Materials: Number of samples for erosive and non- erosive lichen planus was 26 and for control groups was 5. 5?mthick paraffin sections were prepared and stained by toluidine blue. Thedata were analyzed by using descriptive statistic , ANOVA test and SPSS. 15 software. Results: The average number of mast cells in erosive lichen planussamples , non- erosive lichen planus samples and normal mucosa samples are respectively 7.15.9, 3.12.5 & 1.80.3. Conclusions: Incresed numbers of mast cells in clinical types of oral lichen planus suggests definite role of these cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus and these cells may contribute to recruitment of lymphocytes to under epithelial area . The significant increase of mast cells in erosive lichen planus compared with non- erosive type indicates a possible role of mast cells in higher malignant potential of this clinical type of oral lichen planus .