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Introduction : Mast cell (MC) density shows considerable variation in oral inflammatory lesions, precancerous lesions, and oral cancer, highlighting the importance of studying MCs to identify in-depth pathogenesis and the treatment aspect of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP).

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the density of mast cells in Oral Lichen Planus and Inflamed Gingival Mucosa (IGM) and to compare the density between the lesions.

Methodology : A total of 60 cases (30 OLP and 30 IGM) were processed and stained with toluidine blue. MCs were counted using a microscope fitted with an oculometer grid. The intact and degranulated MCs were identified separately. MCs were then counted at two different levels, described as Zone I and Zone II. Zone I, representing the sub-epithelial region within the inflammatory cell infiltrate and Zone II, corresponding to the deeper connective tissue beneath the infiltrate. MC counts were expressed per μm2 for MC density. The mean values were calculated and expressed as mean and standard deviation. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.

Result : A statistically significant increase in mast cell density was noted in oral lichen planus compared to controls (IGM). In addition, both intact MCs and degranulated MCs in OLP were also increased compared to controls and were statistically significant. We also observed a significant increase in MC density in Zone I than in Zone II; degranulated being more in both groups. However, it was observed that the mean MC density was not statistically significant among the clinical types of OLP.

Conclusion : The present histochemical study demonstrated a signific antly higher MC density in oral lichen planus compared to inflamed gingival mucosa. Degranulated MCs were found in significantly higher numbers than intact MCs in oral lichen planus as well as in inflamed gingival mucosa.

Inflammation; lichen planus; mast cells; stain.