Mast cells have been shown to be present in substantial numbers in both nonkeratinizing and keratinizing odontogenic cysts and could be seen in the connective tissue capsule and the epithelial lining. Within the cyst capsule, mast cells were more prevalent just beneath the epithelium than in deeper areas. This distribution pattern for mast cells is in accord with the histochemical picture for heparin staining in odontogenic cysts. In the non-keratinizing cysts, there appeared to be some trend towards mast cells being associated with increasing inflammation but not in the odontogenic keratocyst. No evidence could be found for distinct mast cell subpopulations in odontogenic cysts. The presence of mast cells in odontogenic cyst could contribute to their pathogenesis in several ways.

No abstract

No abstract

A case of malignant calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour is reported in a 7.'j-year-old man. Evidence of local tissue invasion and lymph-node metastasis is presented. Immunoperoxidase studies of the neoplastic cells and tumour amyloid were negative for a variety of antigens, including the epithelial markers CEA and keratin. The histological and clinical findings arc discussed.

No abstract