Immunologic study of human periodontosis (juvenile periodontitis)

This study was designed to define the relative distribution of lymphocytes (Lc) and plasma cells (Pc) and the nature of cell-associated immunoglobulins (Ig), IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE, and IgG subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4, in gingiva from patients with periodontosis (juvenile periodontitis). The patient population consisted of nine persons, eight males and one female between the ages of 18 and 20. Gingival tissues were obtained from the interproximal area associated with either the maxillary or mandibular first molar and the adjacent premolar (autologous control). Histologic and immunofluorescent quantitation of Ig bearing Lc and Ig positive Pc was assessed using 10 consecutive serial sections (3-4 micrometer) from each specimen. Periodontosis lesions were associated with pockets ranging from 6.0 to 11.0 mm and exhibited a mean G.I. = 0.5 Plasma cells were the predominant inflammatory cell present. The quantity and distribution of inflammatory cells increased with clinical severity. Autologous gingival biopsies from areas with a G.I. - 1.0, and pocket depths equal to a mean = 2.6 mm, contained numerous Lc and Pc. Seventy-six percent of the Pc in periodontosis lesions lacked demonstrable cytoplasmic heavy chain Ig determinants typical of such cells. The predominant Ig staining cells present were IgG followed by IgA and IgM. Autologous gingival biopsies contained predominantly Ig-negative Lc and very few Ig-positive Pc. Plasma cells in periodontosis lesions exhibited marked reactivity to kappa and lambda anti-light chain antiserum. The absence of heavy chains in Pc in periodontosis lesions may be another manifestation of the overall pattern of cellular and humoral abnormalities in periodontosis patients.