CYTOLOGY OF THE ORAL MUCOSA BY A FILTER IMPRINT TECHNIC

[摘要] Superficial cells of the normal oral mucosa were successfully removed by Millipore filters following direct contact with the surface of the mucous membrane. Tinctorial properties and cytologic detail was sufficient to distinguish between the stages of maturation of superficial epithelial cells attached to the filter discs. The cells on the filter were classified into pre-cornified, cornified and keratinized types according to Papanicolaou''s criterion and the mean percentages were determined. Forty-nine filter samples on 41 normal individuals were taken of selected areas of the oral mucosa. The same mucosal areas were immediately removed for biopsy study, fixed, processed and the tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Mallory''s stains. Comparison between the filter imprints and biopsy specimens from the same area revealed a reliable correlation between the 2 methods of observation.