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Isolation, Characterization and Functional Examination of the Gingival Immune Cell Network
Published on: February 16, 2016
Evidence for a specific crevicular lymphocyte profile in aggressive periodontitis
B W Sigusch1, A Wutzler, T Nietzsch
1Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Department of Periodontology, Conservative Dentistry, Germany. bernd.w.sigusch@med.uni-jena.de
Journal of Periodontal Research
|September 7, 2006
Summary
Aggressive periodontitis involves higher levels of T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8+) and B cells in the gingival crevice. This finding supports a distinct immune response in aggressive periodontitis (LAP/GAP) compared to chronic periodontitis (CP) and healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Periodontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Periodontal pockets are crucial in host defense, primarily involving polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
- The role of lymphocytes within the gingival crevice in periodontitis remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify T cells (CD3+), T-helper cells (CD4+), T-suppressor cells (CD8+), and B cells (CD20+) in the gingival crevice.
- To compare lymphocyte proportions in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), and generalized chronic periodontitis (CP) against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Collection of crevicular cells using a standardized method.
- Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations via indirect immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Elevated CD8+ lymphocytes in LAP compared to CP and controls (p < 0.05).
- Increased CD20+ lymphocytes in LAP/GAP versus CP (p < 0.05) and controls (p < 0.001).
- Altered CD4+/CD8+ ratios in LAP and GAP compared to controls (p < 0.01); correlation between T cells and inflammation observed.
Conclusions:
- Patients with LAP and GAP exhibit higher numbers of crevicular T-suppressor/cytotoxic and B cells.
- These findings suggest an altered immune pathology in aggressive periodontitis.
