Evaluation of the Nature of Collagen Fibers in KCOT, Dentigerous Cyst and Ameloblastoma using Picrosirius Red Stain – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Reciprocal interaction between dental epithelium and mesenchyme is thought to be crucial for normal odontogenesis. Thus, the mesenchymal influence of the fibrous capsules may play an important role in the maintenance of epithelial expression. Collagen is the major component of the extracellular matrix and possibly there is an alteration in the nature and structure of collagen in various pathological conditions. Studies by polarizing microscopy have also shown that there is a difference in collagen and probably these differences may play a role in their biologic behaviour. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nature of collagen fibers in keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT), dentigerous cyst (DC), unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) and solid/ multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA) and correlating this with their biological behaviour. Materials and Methods: Five diagnosed cases each of UA, SMA, KCOT and DC were taken and stained using Picrosirius red stain kit and evaluated using a polarizing microscope. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to analyse the results. Results and Conclusion: Collagen fibers in dentigerous cysts showed predominant yellowish-red birefringence and fibers in KCOT and ameloblastomas showed a predominantly greenish-yellow birefringence. Hence, our study suggests that the nature and character of collagen fibers may influence the clinical behaviour of the lesion. Since ours is a pilot study, to corroborate our view, studies with larger sample size are required to substantiate the results.

Keywords

• collagen fibers
• odontogenic cysts and tumours
• picrosirius red
• polarizing microscopy