Relationship of Centrifuging Round to Disintegration of the Exfoliated Cells in Mouth Washings

No study has been found on exfoliated cells in the mouth washings, while some have been made on exfoliative cytology of the mouth. For the purpose of investigation of exfoliated epithelial cells in the mouth washings by physiologic saline solution, preliminary study was made on effective factors in centrifuging rounds and time, staining, and changes of cell morphology by the use of mouth washings taken from the normal oral cavity with healthy teeth. Mouth washings were centrifuged for 5, 10, or 30 minutes at 1,000 r.p.m., 2,000 r.p.m. or 3,000 r.p.m. Washings were mixed immediately with 50 per cent alcohol or 95 per cent alcohol in comparison with those mixed with no alcohol. Each of materials was kept under the room temperature or in an incubator and examined consecutively concerning staining effect and changes of cell morphology. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The stable condition in staining effect and cell morphology was obtained in case of mixing with an equal quantity of 50 per cent alcohol immediately after mouth washings were taken and of 10-minute centrifugation at 2,000 r.p.m. And these smears could be stained and differentiated even 48 hours later in stable conditions. 2. Leucocytes were liable to be disintegrated more than 30 minutes after materials had been taken, while epithelial cells were not disintegrated. 3. When no alcohol was mixed, staining effect decreased rapidly 24 hours later, cell disintegration was marked and cell count could not be done successfully.