Is there a role of interstitial cells of Cajal and mast cells and eosinophils in appendicitis in children?

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of interstitial Cajal cells, eosinophils, and mast cells in normal and inflamed appendices, and to evaluate the correlation of presence of these cells with severity of inflammation in appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The appendicitis group (n = 30) was divided further into three groups according to the macroscopic description and the histological findings. Ten normal appendices served as controls. Tissue samples were processed for routine histological examination. Additionally, all sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD117 and mast cell tryptase antibodies. RESULTS When specimens were compared in terms of Cajal cells, the observed mean number for the appendicitis group was 4.9 and for the control group it was 8.3. In contrast, eosinophils and mast cells were significantly increased in the appendicitis group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION We detected that eosinophils and mast cells are increased in appendicitis, and correlate with the degree of inflammation of the appendix. The density of interstitial Cajal cells was significantly lower in patients with severe appendix inflammation compared to controls. The histopathological differences observed in this study may help elucidate the pathophysiology of appendicitis.