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. 2024 Aug 23;16(8):e67558.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.67558. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of CD117 in the Mast Cells of Odontogenic Keratocysts

Sujatha Varma  1 , Shameena Pm  1 , Plakkil Viswanathan Deepthi  2 , Indu G  1
Affiliations

Immunohistochemical Analysis of CD117 in the Mast Cells of Odontogenic Keratocysts

Sujatha Varma et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Odontogenic lesions contain mast cells (MCs), particularly those with a cystic appearance. Because of their high recurrence rates and aggressive clinical behaviour, odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) require special treatment. A particular kind of protein called cluster of differentiation (CD) 117/ receptor tyrosine kinase (c-KIT) is present on the surface of many cells. Most hematopoietic cells lose their expression of KIT during the differentiation process, with the exception of MCs, which continue to express KIT throughout their lifetime.

Aim: Using the CD117 immunomarker, this immunohistochemical investigation sought to assess the presence and location of MCs in OKCs and examine the relationship between MC numbers in sporadic, syndromic, and recurrent OKCs.

Methods: The study comprised 30 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, and a histopathological diagnosis was made from hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections with a thickness of 4-5 µ. Out of 30 specimens, 21 were sporadic, six were recurrent OKCs, and three were syndrome-associated OKCs. CD-117/c-kit rabbit polyclonal primary antibody was used to stain the sections for observing MCs, which were then viewed under a light microscope with a digital camera and a desktop computer with MICAPS software for viewing images.

Result: To compare the number of MCs among OKCs, a one-way ANOVA test was used. Our study revealed that a statistically significant increase in MCs has been observed in the subepithelial and deep connective tissue of recurrent OKC (p < 0.05). However, a comparison of the mean MC value among three OKC subtypes did not reveal any statistically significant differences. An increased mast count was observed in the deep connective tissue layer of syndromic OKC under multiple comparisons.

Conclusion: Our study concluded that MCs were present in increased numbers both in the superficial and deep connective tissue of recurrent OKCs, indicative of their aggressive clinical behaviour. Increased mean MC counts observed in some of the sporadic cases may be an indicator of their chances of recurrence in the future.

Keywords: cd117; mast cells; odontogenic cysts; odontogenic keratocyst; tumors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Government Dental College issued approval IEC/221/2021/DCC, dated 5.10.2021. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. IHC staining: CD 117-positive mast cell within the superficial connective tissue of OKC (x100)
The red arrow indicates mast cells. OKC: odontogenic keratocyst
Figure 2
Figure 2. IHC staining: CD117-positive mast cell within the deep connective tissue of OKC (x400)
The white arrow indicates the mast cell. OKC: odontogenic keratocyst
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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