Inhibition of superoxide generation by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes with chlorhexidine. Its possible relation...

During the acute phase of periodontal disease, as many as 60% of the cells of the junctional epithelium may be accounted for by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). It is generally accepted that these cells play a dominant role in the destruction of connective tissue by virtue of the proteinases they release and the free oxygen radicals they generate. Modulation of the proteolytic activity and free radical production seems to be essential for the inhibition of tissue destruction. We have therefore studied the effect of chlorhexidine on the generation of free oxygen radicals and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL) by stimulated human PMNs. Nontoxic chlorhexidine concentrations (0.1-1 microgram/ml) were found to inhibit superoxide production but did not affect LDCL. We therefore suggest that in addition to its antiseptic effect, chlorhexidine may also modulate the generation of free radicals by activated PMN cells in the inflamed gingiva.