Lymphocytes in the Epithelium of the Healthy Gingiva

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Abstract
Lymphocytes were found to be constantly present in the epithelium of the healthy gingiva of dog and man. In biopsy material these cells were found passing through the basal cell layer, entering into the intercellular spaces and pushing aside the cells of the first epithelial layer. In this position both lymphocytes and epithelial cells showed a physical distortion. When the lymphocytes pass this layer their normal shape reappears. Few lymphocytes were found but their presence was constant in all of the specimens studied. Most of the lymphocytes were present in the basal layer and fewer in the prickle cell layer. The lymphocytes never reach the superficial part of the epithelium. The following changes were observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the lymphocytes. The cytoplasm became both wider and clearer while the nucleus stained more deeply. But in some cases this migration was accomplished with slight changes in cell area and morphology. No mitotic figures were observed among the lymphocytes. All were intercellular in position. The connective tissue underlying the epithelium showed no definite signs of injury. There were no indication of lymphocytes or plasma cells proliferation.