STUDY OF MAST CELL IN SURGICALLY RESECTED APPENDICES

Abstract

Mast cells, first discovered by Paul Ehrlich over a century ago, continue to
intrigue researchers due to their complex roles in both health and disease.
These cells, which are abundantly found in connective tissues and near blood
vessels, are involved in various physiological and pathological conditions.
They contain a variety of biologically active mediators within their
metachromatic granules, and their activation is primarily triggered by the
cross-linking of IgE Fc receptors, although they can also be activated by
complement components such as C5a and C3a. The role of mast cells in the
pathogenesis of acute appendicitis remains poorly understood, despite their
ubiquitous presence in tissues, including the appendix. This study aims to
investigate the variation of mast cells in inflamed versus non-inflamed
appendices and to explore their potential role in the development and outcome
of acute appendicitis. Histopathological analysis was performed on 100
appendix specimens, using Toluidine blue staining to identify mast cells and
Hematoxylin & Eosin for assessing inflammatory changes. Mast cell counts
were compared across different histopathological groups, including acute
appendicitis, acute eosinophilic appendicitis, and recurrent appendicitis, in
various age groups. The results may provide insights into the involvement of
mast cells in acute appendicitis and contribute to a better understanding of its
pathogenesis.