Abstract

Background and purpose: Inflammatory cells including mast cells, with the production of inflammatory mediators such as heparin and histamine participate in the process of inflammation and jaw resorption. Considering the increasing growth of cysts and the role of mast cells in the process of bone resorption, the role of mast cells might be considered in pathogenesis and growth of cysts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of mast cells in two most common odontogenic jaw cysts. Materials and methods: Tissue sections of 20 cases of radicular cyst and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) were stained with Giemsa and observed under optical microscope in five randomized areas of the subepithelial and deep zones. Data analysis was done in SPSS 23 applying ANOVA test, multiple comparison test, and t-test. Results: The average number of mast cells in radicular cysts was higher than that in OKC. There was no significant difference in subepithelial zone of these cysts (P =0.093), while a significant difference was observed in deep zone of wall of radicular cysts and OKC (P =0.006). Conclusion: Mast cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of radicular cysts, but, they may not be directly involved in the growth and pathogenesis of OKC. © 2019, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.