Effect of clindamycin hydrochloride on gingival crevicular fluid and immune mediators in beagles

Gingivitis and periodontitis, two frequently observed conditions in dogs, are primarily caused by bacterial plaque. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and some of the biochemical substances contained in it are used diagnostically and to evaluate the success of treatment. A double-blind study using a crossover design was conducted to evaluate treatment with clindamycin hydrochloride on the amount of GCF and concentrations of its immune mediators (leukotriene B4 [LTB4], prostaglandin E2 [PGE2], and polymorphonuclear [PMN] elastase) in dogs. Ten dogs received clindamycin orally at 11 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and 10 dogs remained untreated as controls. After a 5-month rest period, the treatments were reversed. At the beginning and end of each series, the volume of GCF was measured and plaque and gingival indices were assessed on six reference teeth of each patient. Concentrations of LTB4, PGE2, and PMN elastase were determined by ELISA. In both series, plaque and gingival indices dropped significantly (P < or = .0001) in dogs treated with clindamycin. The volume of GCF also declined significantly (P< or = .0001) following treatment and levels of PGE2, PMN elastase, and LTB4 were significantly (P < or = .05) reduced in both series. The antimicrobial effect of clindamycin is not only due to high levels in the blood and saliva, but also to its presence in the gingival crevice.