Fig. 3

Relationship between degree of fringe distribution and the various inflammation parameters. Specimens were classified into three groups, as follows: (−) absence of fringes, (+) < 50% of the entire surface mucosa covered by fringe, and (2+) > 50% covered by fringe. The degree of fringe distribution in the specimens did not affect the values obtained for stromal eosinophil, neutrophil, or mast cell count (sEo, sNeu, and sMast, respectively) (A-C). The same spirochetal invasion parameter did not influence the value obtained for intraepithelial eosinophil count (iEo) (D), but presence of fringe did increase the intraepithelial neutrophil count (iNeu) [E; fringe (−) vs. fringe (2+), p = 0.024]. HPF: high power field