Abstract

Objectives: The mast cell remains an enigmatic cell, found resident in tissues throughout the body particularly in association with structures such as blood vessels and nerves. Various inflammatory disorders of the intestines, joints and lungs appear to be associated with an increase in mast cell numbers. The study was conducted on vermiform appendix. The present study was undertaken (1) to compare the mast cell and eosinophil counts in various layers of the appendix in various histopathological groups, and (2) to establish the relationship between the numbers of eosinophils and mast cells in the inflamed appendix.
Materials and Methods: The material for study consisted of appendix specimens received for histopathological examination in the Department of pathology. A 5 year study was conducted, 3 years retrospective and 2 years prospective.
Results: Out of 777 cases studied the incidence of appendicitis is high, in the first and second decades of life and slightly higher in females. Recurrent appendicitis was more common when compared to other inflamed appendices.
Conclusions: Eosinophil counts in all the layers were very high in acute eosinophilic appendicitis compared to normal appendices. A higher mast cell count was seen in acute eosinophilic appendicitis and recurrent appendicitis. No correlation was found between mast cell and eosinophilic density. Our observations support the allergic theory of appendicitis rather than the obstructive theory.

Key words: Mast cells, Appendix, Eosinophils