Stereology of inflammatory connective tissue infiltrates in oral mucosa.

In the present summary, different approaches to analyse inflammatory connective tissue infiltrates are reviewed. The most appropriate model for this purpose was found to be the stereological analysis at the electron microscopic level. This method furnishes data comparable with results obtained by other quantifying methods, such as biochemical analysis. The presently used methodology for the analysis of diseased portions of oral mucous membranes, as well as selected results thereof are described. The usefulness and reliability of the method are discussed and future developments are suggested.