Evaluation of mast cells in surgically resected appendix

Introduction: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. Mast cells release biologically active substances which on activation alter intestinal functioning therefore their change in the number and distribution may explain the cause of pain.
Aims and objectives: To compare the number and distribution of mast cells in various layers in cases of acute appendicitis, chronic appendicitis and appendix with no significant change on histology.
Materials and methods: Total 100 specimen of appendix were studied prospectively during the time period of 1 year from May 2017 to June 2018 in the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was done on paraffin sections, and Special staining for mast cells was done with 1% toluidine blue. Results: Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group of 21 -30 years with males predominance (75%). Acute appendicitis was seen in 56% cases. Highest mast cell count was observed in cases of chronic appendicitis Maximum grades of mast cells were seen in the submucosa layer associated with fibrosis.
Conclusion: Increase in mast cell count was observed in cases of appendicitis as compare to those appendices with normal histology. Thus it was concluded that the growth interaction between the mast cells, nerves and fibrosis may be due to release of chemical mediators leading to type I hypersensitivity reaction that might be a predisposing factor for the sequence of events leading to appendicitis.