Evaluation of mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reaction.

Recent attention has been directed towards the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. Mast cells are responsible for trafficking of inflammatory cells into the connective tissue that in turn helps in progression and maintenance of the chronicity of oral lichen planus. In the present study we have evaluated the mast cell count and its cell types using toluidine blue stain, in oral lichen planus and compared it with oral lichenoid reactions. We have observed an increase in mast cell count in both these conditions in comparison to normal mucosa. Also, a significant difference in the types of mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reactions has been noted, possibly suggesting that the role of mast cell is different in these conditions.