Cytotoxic T lymphocytes versus streptococcal colonization in periapical granulomas
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
1Clinic for Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Clinical Centre Ljubljiana, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Seventeen dental periapical lesions were investigated to study bacterial colonization. Periapical lesions, obtained after apicotomy, were also enzymatically desegregated to quantitatively analyze lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry. Fourteen samples yielded a positive bacterial growth when homogenized and cultured. We isolated enough lymphocytes to make flow cytometric analysis from 12 samples. A significant increase in interleukin-2 receptor and ICAM-1 molecule expression on T cells was found, compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, a decreased expression of interleukin-2 receptors and HLA DR molecules on CD8+ T cells was found in granulomas predominantly colonized by Streptococcus spp., compared with lesions predominantly colonized by strict anaerobes.
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