Autofluorescent granular cells in odontogenic cysts

Three odontogenic cysts, two of dentigerous and one of dental type, are reported in which large numbers of cells containing autofluorescent granules were present, in both the capsule and cyst lining. Histochemical and electron microscopical studies suggest that the granules are composed of lipofuscin. Examination of 30 examples each of dental cysts, dentigerous cysts and odontogenic keratocysts indicated that the prevalence of occasional cells of similar appearance was about 40%, 50% and 17% respectively. The pathogenesis of these cells is discussed.