Scanning Electron Microscopy of Cyclosporine-Induced Gingival Overgrowth

Authors

Shahid H. Ashrafi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Krzysztof Slaski, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kyaw Thu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Eli S. Neiman, University of Illinois at Chicago
Michael P. Cunningham, University of Illinois at Chicago

Abstract

Overgrown human gingival specimens were examined histologically and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study structural changes caused by cyclosporine. The biopsy specimens were from organ transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine to suppress the rejection of the transplanted organ. The epithelium of the overgrown gingiva was thickened, acanthotic and parakeratotic. Retepegs were anastomosing and extending into connective tissue. The SEM examination of the outer surface of the attached gingival showed loss of cellular attachments and cells were exfoliating. The normal honeycomb structure formed by interconnecting microvilli surrounding the pits was distorted. Outer gingival cell surface showed numerous round, ovoid and dome-like structures instead of parallel, reticular or fingerprint-like microridges.

It was concluded that cyclosporine not only caused hyperplasia but also changed the structure of the outer epithelial cell surface.

Recommended Citation

Ashrafi, Shahid H.; Slaski, Krzysztof; Thu, Kyaw; Neiman, Eli S.; and Cunningham, Michael P. (1995) "Scanning Electron Microscopy of Cyclosporine-Induced Gingival Overgrowth," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 10: No. 1, Article 17.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol10/iss1/17