Photoelectric Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Mast-Cell-Associated Enzyme Activity in Human Gingival Tissues

¹ University of Oregon Dental School, Portland, Oregon 97201

Simple counts of mast cells per unit of human gingiva are often difficult to interpret because of the large numbers and varying sizes and shapes of the counted structures. The relatively simple photoelectric scanning method described herein eliminates tedious counting procedures while providing a measure of the relative quantity of stainable mast cell granules within the area scanned. Thus, the method may provide a better estimate of the total biologic activity than would simple mast cell counts.