The fine structure of human epithelial mast cells in periodontal disease

Ultrastructural study of the lining of the pathologic pockets of patients with chronic periodontal disease revealed the presence of mast cells within the epithelial layer. These intraepithelial mast cells had a variety of unusual shapes, and frequently appeared dendritic. These cells also had cytologic features which suggested that they were actively synthesizing mast cell granules and releasing them into the extracellular space. The findings indicate that intraepithelial mast cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of the sulcular epithelial changes which are seen in human periodontal disease.