The effect of prolonged phenytoin administration on non-collagenous components of gingival tissue

The hyperplastic gingivae of 11 epileptic patients on prolonged phenytoin therapy and those of control patients were excised during routine periodontal surgery. The tissues were homogenized and the hexosamine, uronic acid and total protein contents were determined. It was found that the gingivae of patients on prolonged phenytoin therapy had significantly raised hexosamine, uronic acid and total protein levels as compared with the controls. However, the relative concentration of the three parameters was similar in both groups. It is suggested that the enlargement of gingival tissue observed in patients who "respond" to prolonged phenytoin treatment may be the result not only of collagen over-production but also of the elevated levels of GAG.