Abstract
Objective : Langerhans cells form a network of immune competent cells in the epithelium of oral mucosa and alterations in their number on exposure to tobacco might impair mucosal immunologic protection against mutagens and can have a role in epithelial dysplasia and carcinoma.
Study design : Study was divided into 4 groups : formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues from group A without tobacco habit (normal mucosa), and other groups with tobacco habits, B (leukoplakia without dysplasia), C (leukoplakia with dysplasia) and D (Squamous cell carcinoma). LCs were detected by using immunohistochemical marker CD1a and cells were counted in the epithelium using ImagePro software.
Results : Comparision of mean LC count among study groups showed lesser number of LCs as compared to the normal mucosa. In carcinoma sections, LCs were least in number as compared to other groups. Quantitative analysis using Tukey test showed significant difference in LC count among study groups whereas Unpaired “t” test revealed non significant comparision of mean LC count between smokers and chewers.
Conclusion : Tobacco either in the form of smoking or chewing affects the peripheral immune arbiters of oral mucosa i.e. LCs.
