Histochemical studies on glycosaminoglycans of odontogenic cysts.

Histochemical examination of odontogenic cyst connective tissue has demonstrated that hyaluronic acid is the predominant glycosaminoglycan present with lesser amounts of the sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Mast cells were frequently observed in the connective tissue, particularly just beneath the epithelium and may be responsible for the enhanced staining for heparin observed in this area. Local tissue metabolism and inflammation will contribute to the release of glycosaminoglycans from connective tissue into the lumenal fluid. Staining of glycosaminoglycans was generally minimal in the epithelium, although hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate were detected in goblet cells. Glycosaminoglycans previously demonstrated in cyst fluids are probably derived from several sources in the cyst and will be important in its expansile growth.