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Metallothionein in human gingival amalgam tattoos
J C Lau1, L Jackson-Boeters, T D Daley
1Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, Ont., N6A 5C1, London, Canada.
Archives of Oral Biology
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Amalgam tattoos, caused by dental amalgam particles, can lead to mercury (Hg) exposure. Metallothioneins (MTs) in histiocytes appear to reduce Hg toxicity from these tattoos.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amalgam tattoos result from dental amalgam particles (silver and mercury) in oral tissues.
- Metallothioneins (MTs) are metal-binding proteins involved in metal detoxification, including mercury (Hg).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MT expression and amalgam tattoos in human gingiva.
- To determine the role of MTs in response to mercury and silver from dental amalgam.
- To identify the specific components of amalgam tattoos that induce MT expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) to analyze amalgam particle composition.
- Employed immunohistochemical techniques to detect MT expression in gingival tissues.
- Correlated microscopic findings of amalgam particles with MT staining patterns.
Main Results:
- Amalgam tattoos contained silver sulfide (Ag2S), silver (Ag), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn) particles.
- Fine Ag2S particles did not induce MT expression, while Hg-containing larger particles did.
- Histiocytes adjacent to Hg-rich amalgam particles showed intense MT staining, indicating induction.
Conclusions:
- Mercury (Hg) leaching from dental amalgam particles induces metallothionein (MT) expression in adjacent histiocytes.
- Residual silver sulfide (Ag2S) and tin (Sn) particles do not appear to induce MT.
- MTs may play a protective role against mercury toxicity in patients with amalgam tattoos.
